Carolina Panthers double down on McCaffrey with new deal
By Dean Jones
The Carolina Panthers doubled down on their All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey when they gave him a bumper new four-year extension.
Running back Christian McCaffrey is now the cornerstone of the Carolina Panthers’ franchise. The All-Pro signed a long-term extension that signaled a huge leap of faith from the organization.
This represents a significant gamble by Carolina’s decision-makers, who bucked the trend NFL-wide when it came to paying their most productive player at a position that rarely gets financial commitment.
McCaffrey’s four-year extension is set to make the former Stanford prospect $16 million annually and ties him to the Panthers until 2025. This gives head coach Matt Rhule a strong offensive foundation from which to build off during their expected period of transition.
While a few eyebrows were raised when the back penned such a large deal. His influence and importance to the Panthers cannot be underestimated. McCaffrey is the one ray of hope left for the organization’s fanbase after a series of high-profile departures during what has been a difficult offseason.
That’s not to say McCaffrey’s new contract doesn’t come with significant risks. Given the number of carries and receptions he accumulates throughout the season, the chances of the player succumbing to injury are highly increased.
This is something the Panthers must manage correctly if they are going to get the most out of the player long term.