3 scenarios that could see Carolina Panthers trade Christian McCaffrey

Carolina Panthers get a big offer for Christian McCaffrey

Of course, the only thing that matters where the Carolina Panthers are concerned in this scenario centers on compensation. Christian McCaffrey is one of the league’s most dynamic playmakers and seems to be free of injury at the moment, which indicates there might not be a better time to extract the maximum from any negotiations currently taking place.

This would leave a gaping hole within an offense that’s struggled to find any identity under Ben McAdoo. But there is little chance of Carolina generating a surprise wildcard berth in 2022 given their record through six games.

According to multiple reports, acquiring McCaffrey won’t be cheap. Peter Schrager of FOX Sports and the NFL Network indicated that Carolina is looking for multiple first-round picks, which would be a non-starter for almost every team.

If the Panthers were willing to negotiate, it could lead to an offer they couldn’t refuse. And considering the running back talent set to emerge from the college ranks in 2023, more draft selections provide them with the luxury to go after a top-end talent.

General manager Scott Fitterer now has the power after Matt Rhule was fired. He’ll likely run things with more structure and won’t be dealing McCaffrey to the first bidder that comes along.

Should Fitterer receive a formal offer befitting such a gifted individual, all bets are off.