Is D’Onta Foreman the missing piece in the Panthers’ backfield?

Could free-agent signing D’Onta Foreman become the missing piece in the Carolina Panthers that might end up being great news for Christian McCaffrey?

It’s no secret that Christian McCaffrey needs some help in the backfield moving forward. This has nothing to do with the player’s production, which remains elite, but rather from a longevity standpoint after missing 10 games over the last two seasons.

The Carolina Panthers have entertained some trade calls for their best offensive weapon this offseason, but have remained reluctant to pull the trigger. McCaffrey was reportedly drawing interest from the Buffalo Bills, which would be a franchise-altering call to make for the dead-cap money if nothing else.

McCaffrey deserves one more shot to reaffirm his influence and importance in Carolina. If the same complications emerge next time around, then trading or releasing him entirely becomes more realistic with less financial ramifications.

One move that won’t have gone unnoticed by McCaffrey during the legal tampering period is the acquisition of D’Onta Foreman, who rejuvenated his career filling in for the injured Derrick Henry on the Tennessee Titans last season.

D’Onta Foreman is exactly what the Carolina Panthers need

At least from the outside looking in, this is exactly what the Panthers have been searching for. A power back that can make an impact in-between that tackles and also break off big yardage should the opportunity arise.

Foreman had a stuttering start to his NFL career despite his obvious skill set. The former Texas star was originally drafted by the Houston Texans but found himself sitting at home until the Titans came calling, which was a last chance saloon situation and one he simply had to take advantage of.

Helping Tennessee secure the AFC’s No. 1 seed got Foreman back on the map. Carolina is hoping he can make a similar impression in a new offensive scheme led by Ben McAdoo that is set to focus heavily on a downhill running attack.

Nobody is expecting Foreman to shoulder a heavy workload if McCaffrey remains healthy. But he can step in on short-yardage situations and ensure the Stanford product avoids the heavy contact of defensive linemen in the hope of avoiding the health struggles that blighted the two years since a bumper four-year contract was announced.

This might not be great news for Chuba Hubbard, a fourth-round pick last spring upon the recommendation of Matt Rhule’s wife. Although he was solid during his rookie campaign, there was a clear lack of efficiency when it came to his pass-catching and gaining yards after the initial contact.

Blocking was another major flaw in Hubbard’s game. So even though he was thrust into the limelight sooner than expected, there is much work to do in the offseason for the Oklahoma State product.

Waiting around for Hubbard to develop is not a luxury this coaching staff has after another failed campaign. That’s why Foreman was targeted and if he builds on a season of redemption, the Panthers have themselves a real player on their hands.

There is the obvious cloud of Deshaun Watson hanging over the Panthers. But in terms of other recruits, it’s been a solid start and hopefully, this can continue throughout the offseason period.

Otherwise, it’s going to be extremely difficult whether Watson comes or not.