3 teams that could risk a first-round pick for Christian McCaffrey
By Dean Jones
Miami Dolphins could gamble on Christian McCaffrey
Christian McCaffrey is still arguably the league’s best dual-threat running back when fit and firing on all cylinders. The Carolina Panthers obviously know this, which is why the price remains high for a player that could bounce back in a big way next time around.
Another team that might be willing to take the plunge is the Miami Dolphins, who are rich in salary-cap space and could potentially afford to take on McCaffrey’s deal providing they strengthen their offensive line during free agency. Something that would assist Mike McDaniel during his first season as head coach in the process.
Myles Gaskin remains a player of promise. But his 2021 season didn’t go quite according to plan and adding McCaffrey into the mix would provide quarterback Tua Tagovailoa with a premier security blanket that could lead to a huge upturn in production.
Miami averaged just 92.2 yards per game on the ground last season. McDaniel is coming from a San Francisco 49ers team that relied on running the football early and often during games, so the benefits of trading for McCaffrey are there for all to see.
Parting ways with a first-rounder is a tough sell for a player that’s missed so much time. However, if that becomes a thing of the past, then McCaffrey could help the Dolphins secure postseason football once again in 2022.