Carolina Panthers: McCaffrey ‘excited’ by fresh approach in 2020

Running back Christian McCaffrey has reaffirmed his desire to see out his career with the Carolina Panthers after signing a new deal.

Christian McCaffrey has outlined his desire to play his whole career with the Carolina Panthers after signing a new four-year extension with the franchise.

The All-Pro was rewarded for an exceptional first three years in the NFL with a bumper new deal that makes him the highest-paid running back in NFL History. McCaffrey stated he “had no intention” of signing anywhere else and is committed to turning things around in Carolina.

Speaking on a video conference call, McCaffrey had this to say on his new deal:

"“I never focused on signing somewhere else — that never occurred to me. I want to be in Carolina for my whole career. I bought a place in Charlotte. I love the Carolinas more than anything in the world. It’s somewhere I would like to call home forever. And I didn’t want to leave, to be honest with you. And I don’t think they wanted me to leave either. And through everything, it was nothing but respect.”“It shows that I’m on a team whose ownership and whose front offices believe in me the way I believe in myself. And to me, that means a lot knowing that I get to go to work every day and be the best me, and be myself. So I’m very fortunate, very blessed, and I’m excited to play ball with the Panthers.”"

McCaffrey took part in virtual OTAs with the Panthers, which are being held from the comfort of their respective homes due to the social distancing measures relating to the coronavirus pandemic.

The former Stanford product is excited about the prospect of playing with so many fresh faces in 2020, which includes head coach Matt Rhule and new offensive coordinator Joe Brady.

"“I’m excited to play with a new bunch, with a new energy, and see where we can take it.“It (first virtual OTA session) was great. It seemed like it was just like a normal day, just without being in the facility. Everybody’s on the same page and everybody’s learning it the same way, so it was a good day.“We have such a new team, a new energy in the building — well, I guess on the computer screen, not in the building. It is nice just having some fresh air and knowing that everybody’s starting from scratch. I think that’s important and that there’s not one person who’s exempt of that.”"

McCaffrey became only the third player in NFL history to secure 1,000 yards both rushing and receiving in 2019. He entered the Most Valuable Player conversation and cemented his status as the best dual-threat running back in the league.