The Panthers are in flux after firing both their head coach and defensive coordinator after starting 1-4. In Week 6, quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, both of whom they traded for, were both injured and were not known for playing well in a Panthers uniform when they were healthy. Now, they’re looking to trade some pieces, including superstar running back Christian McCaffrey.
With rumors surrounding 26-year-old running back continually escalating, here are a look at some possible trade destinations for McCaffrey.
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills entered the 2022-2023 season as presumptive Super Bowl favorites, with quarterback Josh Allen heading up MVP odds. Through six weeks, the Bills are 5-1 with their only loss coming in a wild, 90-degree game in Miami, which they very much had a shot to win.
A big knock against the Allen-led Bills since they have reached prominence has been the running game. Allen is their best rusher week in and week out, which is a dangerous way to play football. A star quarterback running headlong into defenses is a good way to ruin a season quickly. If they go out and get a star like McCaffrey, their Super Bowl odds will skyrocket even further past the rest of the pack, especially with his prowess in the passing game. This is a no-brainer if Buffalo can afford him.
Los Angeles Rams
Los Angeles’ rushing game has taken a huge step back in 2022. Their previous RB1, Cam Akers, is on the trade block himself after failing to produce in any kind of significant way, and sitting out Week 6 due to “personal issues,” which may have been him coming to terms with needing to find a new employer.
Obviously, adding a player like McCaffrey would be a huge boon to a struggling offense. Especially considering the Rams’ offensive line is an issue and McCaffrey can operate in space and in the passing game. The main reason the Rams are a threat to trade for him is that they have consistently shown they are ready to punt on picks and pay players whatever they need to, kicking the salary cap can down the road to stay in Super Bowl contention. They may need to trade away Akers first, because they essentially have no picks of value to send to Carolina, but never underestimate Los Angeles’ drive to get a big move like this done.
San Francisco 49ers
The Niners are known around the league for having a highly complicated and creative offense. They’ll run with whoever they have to, get players in space in confusing ways and utilize packages that can be optioned in whatever gives them the best opportunity to gain yards.
Adding McCaffrey to Deebo Samuel and the gang could almost be seen as too much of a good thing. Both of these players can eat up yards by running or catching the football, and having them both on the field at the same time is too tempting for San Francisco to not look into. The 49ers are also a shockingly injured team, including in their backfield. McCaffrey is injury prone also, but if he can stay healthy, then it’s a prospect that has the potential to create one of the most dangerous NFL offenses.
Stay tuned for more breaking NFL content, including preseason moves, contract updates and more news from every team.
Featured image courtesy of Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images
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