5 Panthers who’ll benefit most from major 2022 offseason changes

Christian McCaffrey – Carolina Panthers RB

Much like Matt Rhule’s situation, it was vital that the Carolina Panthers surrounded Christian McCaffrey with all the help he needs after refusing to enter trade discussions from willing suitors such as the Buffalo Bills.

McCaffrey started off well in 2021 before the injury bug struck once again. Something that saw the All-Pro feature just seven times and the Panthers completely capitulated without their best offensive weapon for the second-straight year.

In fairness to the Panthers, they’ve done their part where McCaffrey is concerned this offseason. There is a revamped offensive line to work behind and D’Onta Foreman’s arrival in free agency should also take some heat off the former first-round pick.

Foreman’s ability to bang in between the tackles should be of use. There is also some hope that Chuba Hubbard can make improvements after an indifferent rookie campaign.

The appointment of Ben McAdoo as the team’s new offensive coordinator should enable things to become more balanced. Giving McCaffrey almost every touch and hoping for the best is not a recipe for success moving forward.

This could be the last chance for McCaffrey to remove the newfound stigma of unreliability from his shoulders. But the Panthers couldn’t have done much more, in all honesty.