Carolina Panthers final 2020 roster projection: Offense

Running backs (3)

• Christian McCaffrey
• Reggie Bonnafon
• Mike Davis
• Alex Armah (FB)

Christian McCaffrey is the new face of the franchise after an offseason that made him the highest-paid running back in NFL history. The Carolina Panthers bucked a leaguewide trend by giving their star player the money he deserved. But they will need to keep him fresh and ready to go throughout his four-year deal.

This might mean McCaffrey sees less than the 400-plus combined touches he accumulated in 2019. There is nothing to suggest that the All-Pro cannot be equally as effective with fewer carries, especially when one considers the dynamic playmakers elsewhere on offense.

Becoming McCaffrey’s primary backup has been a hotly contested training camp battle that has brought the best out of Mike Davis. The veteran’s place on the roster was under threat thanks in no small part to the $3 million in base salary he is set to earn in 2020. But his tremendous displays during team drills have ensured he is almost a lock to make the roster.

Another who should get a shot for more carries is Reggie Bonnafon. The back showed glimpses of promise in 2019 that resulted in a lofty yards-per-carry average of 7.3. This was a tremendous confidence boost during his first year of competitive action, and big strides during the upcoming campaign are not entirely out of the question.