The Christian McCaffrey market is starting to heat up. Less than a week after we learned that the Panthers were fielding calls on their star running back, Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com tweets that trade talks are “advancing,” and several sources believe a trade could ultimately come to fruition. Wilson adds that “multiple” teams remain interested in McCaffrey and “are actively exploring trade scenarios.”
[RELATED: Bills Remain Interested In Christian McCaffrey]
A number of teams have been connected to the running back, with the 49ers presumed to be a suitor. Tim Kawakami of The Athletic believes Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch are “intrigued” by adding the two-time All-Pro, and he opines that the player is likely interested in joining forces, as well. The fit is obvious; McCaffrey could join Deebo Samuel as the focal point of an innovative offense, and he could help add a spark to a unit that’s struggled a move the chains through the first six weeks of the season. Plus, as Kawakami points out, the team isn’t afraid to make a splash a big deadline splash; the team acquired Emmanuel Sanders in 2019 after sending out a third- and fourth-round pick.
Of course, that doesn’t mean there won’t be difficulties. While Kawakami is skeptical that the Panthers would be able to garner two first-round picks for McCaffrey, there’s still a good chance the 49ers can’t outbid other suitors. The team is currently rolling without a 2023 first-round pick, which could be a factor that automatically removes San Francisco from the conversation. There’s also the matter of McCaffrey’s salary. The RB has a base number of $11.8MM in both 2023 and 2024, and considering the organization’s penchant for not overpaying at the position, there’s little chance the front office would want the RB at that number.
Still, Kawakami could see a world where the 49ers prevail. There’s a chance McCaffrey would be willing to reduce his cap number, which would eliminate any financial concerns. Further, the Panthers may not be able to fetch even a single first-round pick for their star player, in which case the 49ers would be better suited to compete with draft compensation.
Meanwhile, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic confirms (on Twitter) that the Rams are in the mix for McCaffrey, and the reporter is also skeptical that the Panthers will be able to get multiple first-round picks in a trade. Rodrigue believes that the Rams won’t be willing to get into a bidding war for the running back, especially with Carolina coming out of the gate “with such high asking terms.” However, if the Panthers are willing to lower their asking price, then the Rams could emerge as a serious threat to acquire the RB.
Of course they can’t get multiple first round picks for him. Sending one for him would be malpractice.
Yeah, the risk of a rookie draft pick isn’t as risky as an injury prone star in the most injury prone position.
If Tepper even gets one 1st round draft pick I’d be surprised. CMC might be worth a 2nd and a 3rd round draft pick if the Panthers eat a good portion of his salary.
Cuz let’s face it, the only reason they’re trading him is because of injuries. Even in a rebuild, a healthy McCaffrey isn’t a player you easily let go of.
I get what you’re saying, but a rebuilding team should always trade an expensive back if they can get something. He was only a starter and healthy his second and third seasons. Second contract running backs who are worth the big money are exceptions to the rule, let alone ones who are worth trading serious draft capital for the right to pay that big money.
I was wrong. I didn’t think they’d end up trading him, and they got more from the 49ers then I would expect.
I think the Panthers won this trade. The only way they don’t is if he’s healthy the remainder of the season and all (or most) of next year.
Even then, they need the picks more than they need him.
The 49ers don’t need another playmaker – they need a better play CALLER. Shanahan’s play calls have made no sense given the personnel the 49ers have available. For instance Kittle is a threat when running down the seams, but every one of his routes in the first six games has been run within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage.
This
Yeah there’s no way they’ll get even one first round pick for him. MAYBE they get the Bills second rounder if enough teams are bidding, but I’d still bet on a conditional 2023 3rd that becomes a 2nd with playing time/team wins, and maybe a 5th round pick in 2024.
They didn’t get a first rounder but they still got a ton, I was wrong. 2, 3 and 4th rounders in 2023 plus a 2024 pick. Great move for Carolina. SF better hope he somehow stays healthy.
He was just traded to the 9ers
It’s worth the risk for the 49ers as they have depth if he does get slowed down by injuries.