3 teams that could risk a first-round pick for Christian McCaffrey

The Carolina Panthers are reportedly asking for a first-round pick from anyone calling about Christian McCaffrey, but which teams might take the bait?

There is fresh speculation that the Carolina Panthers could end up trading Christian McCaffrey this offseason. According to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, multiple teams have called regarding the potential availability of the All-Pro, who has featured just 10 times over the last two seasons due to various injury problems to derail his Pro Football Hall of Fame trajectory considerably.

Jones is more clued up than most when it comes to the Panthers, so the fact they are fielding calls indicates that the team might be willing to give up their best offensive weapon if the price is right. The respected reporter added that Carolina is looking for a first-round pick and something else, which seems steep for a back who cannot seem to stay healthy.

The Panthers would also eat a substantial amount of dead-cap money if a trade came to fruition. According to Over the Cap, $4.22 million would be added to their cap and McCaffrey would count a whopping $18.58 million in dead money, so it makes absolutely no sense from a financial standpoint.

Carolina would need a contingency plan in the event McCaffrey was traded. Scott Fitterer said he is a foundational piece in a recent presser, but that does not mean the Panthers wouldn’t pull the trigger if they felt it was an offer too good to turn down.

Stranger things have happened in the NFL, that’s for sure. Here are three teams who might be willing to sacrifice a first-round pick for McCaffrey in the hope he can get them over the hump.