McCaffrey reportedly agrees four-year extension with Panthers

Carolina Panthers star Christian McCaffrey has signed a bumper new deal with the franchise that makes him the highest-paid running back in history.

The Carolina Panthers have agreed to a long-term commitment with star running back Christian McCaffrey. The All-Pro has reportedly penned a new four-year deal worth an average of $16 million per season, a source told ESPN Insider Adam Schefter.

This makes the former first-round pick out of Stamford the highest-paid running back in NFL history. It also represents a substantial financial commitment from the Panthers, who have bucked the trend and paid their premiere offensive weapon top dollar.

There is little doubt McCaffrey is worthy of such an outlay. He has been ultra-productive from the moment he entered the NFL and now has the money his play deserves.

McCaffrey was clearly thrilled when talking about his new deal.

"“I’m so excited to continue my career in Carolina. I want to thank Mr. Tepper, Marty Hurney, and Coach Rhule for the opportunity to help lead this great franchise, and to all my teammates for their help along the way. And to Panthers fans, KEEP POUNDING!”"

McCaffrey was nothing short of sensational in 2019 and his elite production saw him in the conversation for Most Valuable Player.

Given the Panthers’ 5-12 record, this was never going to transpire. But his 1,387 rushing yards, 1,005 receiving yards, 116 receptions, and 19 total touchdowns earned him a first-team All-Pro selection.

He was heading into the final year of his rookie deal and the uncertainty surrounding his future had some within the media questioning whether Carolina would be willing to trade their franchise player for more draft picks.

This represents a significant boost for Panthers’ head coach Matt Rhule. Things have not been easy for the new appointment due to the coronavirus pandemic. But he now has his primary offensive weapon on board for the foreseeable future and can build around this accordingly.