Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers. (Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports)
The Carolina Panthers may want to get out of the Christian McCaffrey business all together.
The Carolina Panthers are reportedly open to seeking a trade for Christian McCaffrey.
Joseph Person of The Athletic reports the Panthers would “listen to offers” this offseason for their talented, but often-injured running back. McCaffrey was the Panthers’ No. 8 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft out of Stanford. While he was an All-Pro in 2019, McCaffrey has been limited to just 10 games played in the last two seasons. His contract is an absolute albatross right now.
For that reason, McCaffrey’s market is not as robust as one would think. Still, here are five teams who could be interested in trading for the former Heisman Trophy runner-up.
5 NFL teams that should consider trading for Christian McCaffrey this offseason
5
Denver Broncos
AFC West
Who says you can’t go home? Christian McCaffrey hails from the Mile High City
Though the Denver Broncos have much larger issues at hand offensively besides the ground game, this is the team McCaffrey grew up rooting for. His father Ed caught passes from John Elway in the slot during his Pro Bowl career in the 1990s. A homecoming like this could excite a rabid Broncos fanbase that has been waiting to cheer for a winner since winning Super Bowl 50.
Denver may have the available cap space to take on McCaffrey’s burdensome contract, but the Broncos will in all likelihood finish the season top half in rushing. Again, they have bigger fish to fry than bringing Ed McCaffrey’s son into the equation. If general manager George Paton believes McCaffrey can help take pressure off another new starting quarterback, then by all means do it.
Ultimately, the Broncos are more of a sentimental landing spot for McCaffrey than anything else.