5 riskiest Carolina Panthers jersey purchases in 2021
By Dean Jones
Christian McCaffrey – Carolina Panthers RB
There was plenty of speculation linking Christian McCaffrey with a potential number switch after the NFL changed their ruling this offseason. The running back wore No. 5 with great success during his time at Stanford and many thought he’d make a change in 2021 as a result.
McCaffrey stated that he did consider it and even went as far as finding out how much it would cost to purchase all the inventory. According to multiple reports, the compensation was around $1 million due to the All-Pro’s popularity, which was a little too rich for the player’s blood.
However, McCaffrey did not rule out the prospect of pulling the trigger on this change in the near future, which makes buying any jersey with No. 22 on it incredibly risky.
The Carolina Panthers are banking on McCaffrey reverting to his former iron man status after appearing in just three games last time out. He’s looked incredibly well from a physical standpoint at OTAs and this will be like a brand-new player in the backfield that could make all the difference.
Offensive coordinator Joe Brady recently stated that McCaffrey has nothing to prove. But he’s heard all the chatter about his contract, being potential trade bait for Deshaun Watson, or others being considered as the league’s best dual-threat back in his absence.
McCaffrey coming into the season with a chip on his shoulder is fantastic news for the Panthers, and it won’t take long for people to remember just how special he is.