5 biggest Carolina Panthers positions of need this offseason
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers RB
This may not seem like a pressing need for the Carolina Panthers. But after yet another injury-hit campaign for All-Pro Christian McCaffrey, it should be.
McCaffrey featured in seven games throughout the 2021 season, taking his tally to a measly 10 contests in two years. This concerning trend has to force those in power into a change regarding how the former first-round pick is utilized because the days of him being a workhorse running back should be long gone now.
That’s not to say McCaffrey isn’t still an elite talent. However, that counts for absolutely nothing if the Panthers cannot rely upon the Stanford product for a consistent spell of games.
Carolina does have fourth-rounder Chuba Hubbard and Ameer Abdullah providing the latter is brought back. They would also be wise to invest in a power running back to take further heat off McCaffrey.
Perhaps using McCaffrey in a similar fashion to how the New Orleans Saints deploy Alvin Kamara might be the best solution moving forward. Although that would depend on how new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo sees things, obviously.
McCaffrey is one of the best in the business at what he does. But anyone that thinks running back isn’t a major need for the Panthers this offseason is kidding themselves.