The Panthers trade CMC to the San Francisco 49ers
The Panthers stun the football world as they trade their star running back Christian McCaffrey for a haul of draft picks.
Carolina acquire a second-round, a third-found, and a fourth-round pick in 2023, and a fifth-rounder in 2024, according to NFL networks Ian Rapoport.
The #49ers go all-in, getting it done for one of the elite talents in the NFL. The #Panthers load up on draft picks, preparing for a potential QB move in this coming draft. They have the chips. https://t.co/dBNBLq3Oqt — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 21, 2022
The blockbuster trade gives the 49ers a legitimate chance to reach Super Bowl in February. Nevertheless, McCaffrey can get them there as he fits their offensive scheme perfectly and joins an offense already full of weapons.
Let’s take time to reflect on CMC’s time as a Panther.
Christian’s time in Charlotte was nothing short of amazing. On his memorable run, he’s rushed for 3,980 yards, 32 rushing touchdowns, 3,292 receiving yards, and 18 receiving touchdowns. Including the memorable 2019 season where McCaffrey joined the 1000×1000 club.
He is on pace to break another record, averaging 50 receiving yards and 50 rushing yards in each game this season. CMC averages 113.6 yards from scrimmage.
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Despite the offensive struggles, the Panthers faced in 2022. The All-Pro RB is one of the league’s most provisioned players. He has shown to have the ability to make big plays with his elusiveness and quick cuts.
Carolina’s fans have lost hope in the team, given the decision to trade McCaffrey. Many believe the Panthers were robbed without getting a first-round pick in 2023. Others wanted the elite back to stay. But in reality it was always going to be difficult to recoup a first-round pick for a RB with a chequered injury history.
However, the Panthers were on the verge of having another daunting season, so something had to happen. And moving forward the Panthers will look to build around young cornerstones like Brian Burns, Derrick Brown, Ickey Ekwonu &, Jaycee Horn
The Panthers are focusing on the future, meaning the team had to sacrifice trading the best player on the team, to make room for upcoming college players.
With McCaffrey gone, this makes a strong case that the panthers are the favorites of getting the No. 1 overall selection at next year’s draft.
The downside of Christian McCaffrey
Unfortunately, there’s a downside to having a player of an inhumane caliber. Christian suffered non-contact injuries in 2020 and 2021. But, he still saw double-digit timeshare in both of those seasons.
He’s now joining a team who have problems with injuries at the running back position. If the Frank Gore curse is still lingering in The Bay Area, it could crush the potential Super Bowl run for CMC and the 49ers.
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