2 pros and 2 cons to the Panthers trading Christian McCaffrey in 2022

Carolina Panthers can get off Christian McCaffrey’s contract

The Carolina Panthers are currently in the middle of trying to free up as much cap space as possible for this year’s free agency window. They want to compete now and they need to do everything they can to rebuild a putrid offensive line.

Christian McCaffrey’s contract has him averaging around $16 million a year. Clearing that space up would be a massive win for this front office as they look to retool the roster.

I tend to find myself in the middle of the “don’t pay running backs” argument. There is a place for running the ball in the game of football. Even today when the league is dominated by the air attack.

However, the stats do not lie, you are somehow hurting your team’s chances at winning a Super Bowl by paying your star running backs no matter how talented they might be.

I hate to say it, but as good as McCaffrey is, it just may not be worth it in the long run.

With $16 million you can look to bring back a Hassan Reddick or Stephon Gilmore. You could split it up and sign two or three solid linemen through free agency. You even give yourself more wiggle room to make a move for a big-time quarterback who may want out of their current situation.