5 ambitious picks the Panthers could acquire in Christian McCaffrey trade

Atlanta Falcons could move for Christian McCaffrey

• No. 8 overall selection in 2022

Trading a star player to a division rival is a move that even the Carolina Panthers likely isn’t bold enough to make. However, when you look at the state of the Atlanta Falcons roster and consider the fact that Christian McCaffrey hasn’t been healthy in two years, it is an interesting fit.

Cordarrelle Patterson is a free agent and could be leaving Atlanta. Calvin Ridley has been suspended for a full season leaving the Falcons with only Kyle Pitts as a clear playmaker.

How desperate could Atlanta be to find a player to pair with Matt Ryan in what is likely his final seasons?

Trading McCaffrey in the NFC is playing with fire, much less within your own division. However, if there is one team that you would consider trading the All-Pro to it would be Atlanta.

The No. 8 overall selection is perfect positioning for the Carolina Panthers, allowing them to replace McCaffrey with a quality player. Atlanta would net a much-needed threat capable of helping stretch the end of Ryan’s career.

Regardless of where he lands, McCaffrey’s time in Carolina is hanging in the balance. Now could be the right time to trade a player who hasn’t been able to consistently stay on the field for a team that desperately needed him.