Panthers depth chart focus: Running back balance can thrive in 2022

Christian McCaffrey – Carolina Panthers RB

There is no getting away from it.

This is the most important season of Christian McCaffrey‘s career.

The running back remains one of the league’s best dual-threat weapons when healthy. But dependability is now a real concern for the Carolina Panthers and something that’s stemmed from extreme early usage for a player that had the weight of the world on his shoulders following a promising rookie season.

McCaffrey must also realize that staying on the field is far better than picking up 35 combined touches a game. Especially considering how vital he clearly is to any hopes Carolina has for progression in 2022.

The Stanford product looks to have dropped some weight this offseason and has reportedly looked the part in offseason workouts. But the fanbase heard all this last summer and it only resulted in McCaffrey playing seven games.

There was some trade speculation regarding McCaffrey this offseason, with the Buffalo Bills reportedly making a call to Carolina before being told he was not available. If the All-Pro cannot make more of an impression next season and remain healthy for a consistent period of time, it might see the Panthers become a little more receptive if the phone rings again.