Carolina Panthers: Christian McCaffrey’s contract details revealed

Details have emerged surrounding the true financial value of Christian McCaffrey’s new contract with the Carolina Panthers.

Christian McCaffrey has received a substantial financial windfall as part of his new deal with the Carolina Panthers, which ties him to the organization until 2025.

The All-Pro running back recently penned a four-year extension with the franchise in recognition of his exceptional play since entering the NFL as the eighth overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft.

According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, McCaffrey received a whopping $21.5 million signing bonus when he committed his future to Carolina. He will earn a base salary of $825,000 in 2020, which is fully guaranteed.

This increases considerably in 2021 when the new deal kicks in. McCaffrey is set to make a little over $8 million with full guarantees set at $7.73 million. His base salary in 2022 is $8.4 million, $8.1 million of which is guaranteed for injury at signing.

The figure becomes fully guaranteed on the fifth day of the 2021 league year. Over the next two seasons, McCaffrey will make $11.8 million in base salary and the final year of his contract (2025) the player is scheduled to take away $12 million.

McCaffrey’s workout bonuses with the Panthers are set at $200,000 annually, with his contract totaling $38.2 million in practical guarantees and just over $30 million guaranteed at signing.

Speaking to the Panthers website, McCaffrey had this to say after signing the contract:

"“I don’t know where to start saying thank you. First off, just to the whole Panthers organization for believing in me and allowing me to continue my career in the play where it started. Thank you to Mr. Tepper for believing in me and thank you to Marty Hurney for believing in me, coach Rhule for believing in me. I couldn’t be more excited.”"

This represents a significant financial commitment from the Panthers. McCaffrey is now the face of the franchise following the departures of quarterback Cam Newton and linebacker Luke Kuechly, who were released and retired respectively.

McCaffrey has achieved 2,920 rushing yards, 2,523 receiving yards, and 39 combined touchdowns in three seasons as a professional. The former eighth overall pick has exceeded all expectations and has not missed a regular-season game during his time in the NFL.

His 2019 campaign was the best of the player’s career to date. McCaffrey was one of the Most Valuable Player front runners thanks to lofty stats of 1,387 rushing yards, 1,005 receiving yards, 116 receptions, and 19 total touchdowns.