Christian McCaffrey’s lack of activity in 2020 with the Carolina Panthers has led some to forget just how good he is.
As the old saying goes.
Out of sight, out of mind.
That is definitely the case where Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey is concerned. The All-Pro featured in just three games in 2020 due to ankle, shoulder, and quad problems throughout the campaign, which played a significant factor in the team faltering down the stretch in close contests on their way to a 5-11 record for the second straight season.
This has seemingly played a role in McCaffrey coming up in some trade situations just one year removed from becoming the third player in NFL history to go over 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in the same season.
If the Panthers included him in a deal that could bring quarterback Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans, then fair enough.
But to even consider moving the former first-round pick for more draft capital is simply out of the question, even though NFL.com’s writer Adam Rank recently listed some players who should be traded this offseason and put McCaffrey at the top of the list.
The NFL is a what have you done for me lately business, of that there is little doubt.
However, missing a large part of the 2020 season seems to have lessened what some experts and fans think of him.
This is something McCaffrey can use to his advantage next time around. He should be highly motivated to remind people exactly the sort of player he is in 2021 and that is good news for the Panthers in no uncertain terms.
Christian McCaffrey’s motivation in 2021
Although he is quite a quiet character when it comes to the spotlight, the recent trade rumors surrounding Christian McCaffrey won’t have gone unnoticed by the player. He probably won’t publicly comment on them, but it would not be a surprise if he takes them extremely personally considering his level of production since entering the league in 2017.
McCaffrey has achieved plenty in his short time at the next level. He is a Pro Bowler, a first-team All-Pro, and is arguably the best dual-threat running back in the league.
Again, something people seem to have forgotten after his frustrating 2020 campaign.
Even though McCaffrey missed 13 games last season, his career stats so far are simply extraordinary.
- 51 games played (45 starts)
- 3,145 rushing yards (682 carries)
- 29 rushing touchdowns
- 320 receptions (398 targets)
- 2,672 receiving yards
- 16 receiving touchdowns
- 5,817 yards from scrimmage
- 5.8 yards-per-touch
Absolutely incredible whichever way one looks at it.
These stats, coupled with the fact McCaffrey hadn’t missed a game for the Carolina Panthers before the season, was the reason he was given a four-year, $64 million deal that also included a $21 million signing bonus and $38 million guaranteed.
What came next is not what anybody had anticipated. But providing there are no more complications, McCaffrey should once again return to his role as the focal point of Carolina’s offense moving forward.
And make no mistake, he hears everything that’s being said about his durability and lack of importance. So this is all the motivation he needs to return to the player of old at the earliest possible opportunity.
Should the Carolina Panthers trade Christian McCaffrey?
Unless the prize is Deshaun Watson, trading Christian McCaffrey this offseason is unfathomable. And even then, much would depend on what else the Carolina Panthers would have to give up to land the former Clemson star from the Houston Texans.
The thought of Carolina just giving up on McCaffrey after one season of injury problems and with five years remaining on his deal is highly questionable from the outside looking in. This is a player who’s been a bell cow on offense and even though running backs don’t tend to move the needle like a primary signal-caller, getting some draft picks in return to select college prospects who may or may not work out sends the wrong message.
It’s clear the Panthers are hell-bent on getting a new quarterback this offseason. So whether McCaffrey becomes a sacrificial lamb in any trade discussions – should they eventually transpire – where Watson is concerned remains to be seen.
But the organization would be far worse off not having McCaffrey in the backfield.
This is all just speculation and Carolina hasn’t given one single indication that their star running back is on the trade block. However, these rumors might just help them in the long run if McCaffrey becomes that little bit more inspired as a result.
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Missing so much competitive action last time around is bound to have McCaffrey chomping at the bit. But the way he’s being dismissed and undervalued by some media outlets during the offseason so far means there will be an extra point to prove from the player’s perspective.