Grading every Panthers positional group after Week 1 of free agency
By Noah Bryce
Carolina Panthers running backs
Christian McCaffrey is the best running back in the NFL and that isn’t a controversial statement. Injuries somewhat dimmed that mood last season, but the point still stands that he is a generational player.
Coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons and a 2019 campaign where the All-Pro had 1,000 yards receiving as well, McCaffrey only suited up for three games in 2020. And that right there is why this ranking isn’t higher.
With the likely departure of Mike Davis, there is no proven backup on the roster.
The value McCaffrey brings should not be understated and maybe last season was merely a blip on the radar. But the running back position in today’s NFL does not last long and is very much a plan for the worst area.
The Panthers at least addressed this issue with the signing of Darius Clark from a free agent workout. However, that still does not solve the problem of veteran depth at the position. McCaffrey played over 90 percent of the team’s snaps in 2018 and 2019 which isn’t sustainable and there needs to be someone to bring in to give the star running back a rest.
Grade: B+
With the room behind McCaffrey totaling 63 rushes last season, the Carolina Panthers are not in the best position if injuries continue to be an issue for their best offensive player. An issue that needs to be addressed before we need to.