Ranking the 7 worst contracts in Carolina Panthers history
By Jason Huber
Christian McCaffrey – Carolina Panthers RB
- Signed four-year, $64 million deal in 2020
This one is tough to add because when healthy, Christian McCaffrey is one of the best players in the entire NFL. Drafted by the Carolina Panthers in 2017, the running back never missed a game in his first three seasons and put together a historic 2019 campaign by rushing and receiving for 1,000 yards each.
The new deal in 2020 made McCaffrey the highest-paid running back in the league annually at that time. But just like Kawann Short, injuries took a toll.
McCaffrey has played in just 10 games the past two seasons and while he should be healthy next year, the first two years of his contract were a waste. In the deal, the All-Pro received a $21 million signing bonus and $30 million guaranteed.
Fortunately, the team did restructure the deal this offseason to save them just over $5 million. Although this is no guarantee he can remain healthy.
It’s not known what exactly was restructured in the deal. Even if he bounces back and stays healthy the next two years, the first half of McCaffrey’s contract was unfortunately lost.
If anything, this was just another case of why NFL teams shouldn’t give running backs large deals. Their careers just don’t last as long and there are multiple examples across the league throughout recent history.