4 Panthers players who could be sacrificed to land Deshaun Watson
By Dean Jones
Christian McCaffrey – Carolina Panthers RB
Christian McCaffrey‘s 2020 season didn’t exactly go to plan. This wasn’t down to his production on the field – which remained of the highest standard – but rather a frustrating series of injury problems that restricted him to just three games throughout the campaign.
The former first-round pick is still one of the NFL’s best dual-threat running backs. But this ultimately comes down to positional importance and if the Texans want McCaffrey as part of any Deshaun Watson trade deal, the Carolina Panthers should take it under consideration.
It’s hard to envisage just what Carolina’s record would have looked like with Watson under center this season. They were highly competitive against top-class opposition, for the most part, but a lack of conviction from Teddy Bridgewater in key moments cost them in a big way.
This was done without McCaffrey, who hadn’t missed a game in his first three years in the league. The All-Pro signed a four-year, $64 million deal with a $21 million signing bonus and $38 million guaranteed this offseason after his sensational 2019 and this is an area where Houston needs an upgrade with David Johnson out of contract this spring.
McCaffrey’s influence on the Panthers is unquestioned. But the offense got by fine without him this season.
What they cannot have much more of is inconsistent quarterback play hampering their plans for progression. So if the Texans demand McCaffrey be part of the package in addition to some draft capital, then this is a sacrifice Carolina should be willing to make.
After all, finding a running back who can produce the goods is far easier than securing a franchise quarterback.