Jerick McKinnon hoping to remain with 49ers in 2020

The former Minnesota Vikings running back hasn’t played in a game since the 2017 season due to injury, but he’s hoping the San Francisco 49ers will keep him around.

It’s been more than two years since Jerick McKinnon last carried the football in a meaningful game. This came back in 2017 when McKinnon was a member of the Minnesota Vikings and the team finished one win short of playing in the Super Bowl at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Following that game, the young running back became a free agent in the offseason and he ended up signing a $30 million deal with the San Francisco 49ers.

With the 49ers, McKinnon was hoping to get the opportunity to be more of a full-time option in the backfield, unlike his tenure with the Vikings.

Unfortunately, the former Minnesota running back hasn’t even been able to suit up for a regular season game during his last two seasons with San Francisco thanks to issues related to a torn ACL he suffered in the summer of 2018.

McKinnon, who has an $8.55 million cap hit in 2020, commented on Wednesday about wanting to remain with the 49ers for next season.

"“I’m willing to do whatever. This team and my teammates know I want to be part of this team, this organization. When that time comes, there will be talk between both parties.”"

Originally selected by the Vikings in the third round of the 2014 NFL draft, McKinnon spent four seasons in purple and he started a total of 14 games. During his time with Minnesota, he racked up 2,902 total yards (1,918 rushing, 984 receiving), caught 142 passes, and scored 12 touchdowns.

McKinnon’s best season with the Vikings came in 2017 when he and Latavius Murray made up for the loss of Dalvin Cook and helped Minnesota finish with the seventh-most rushing yards in the NFL.

With the great performances of running backs Tevin Coleman and Raheem Mostert in 2019, it’s hard to imagine San Francisco keeping McKinnon around for next season with his large cap hit. Unfortunately for him, his time with the 49ers could end without ever helping them win a game.