3 reasons the Carolina Panthers were right to trade Christian McCaffrey

Carolina Panthers are hitting the reset button

With the recent firing of Matt Rhule less than three seasons into a seven-year contract and the trade of wide receiver Robbie Anderson following a sideline outburst at the Los Angeles Rams, it’s clear that the Carolina Panthers were hitting the reset button.

Off to a 1-5 start during the 2022 campaign, Christian McCaffrey has accounted for more than 40 percent of all offensive yards. Despite improvements on the offensive line, the tight end group garners no respect in the passing game, and the receiving corps only has one true starting-worthy athlete.

With poor quarterback play that is hampering an already inept offense and an offensive coordinator who is not adjusting his play calling to fit the roster, McCaffrey was being run into the ground. At only 26 years old, the player is in his prime and unable to contribute anything more to muster a win.

The Panthers are now going five years without sniffing the playoffs. Leaving team owner David Tepper and company with no option other than to start parting ways with big contracts for draft selections in 2023 and beyond.

Just like in business, the team is trading a current talent for future assets. With few picks in the 2023 draft from former trades, dealing McCaffery to the San Francisco 49ers brought back high picks that will play on rookie contracts.

Yes, players will still go out every Sunday and do what they can to win. But they will continue to be overmatched and the march toward the top overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft seems to have a clear path.

Carolina has a young core to build around which will be paired with a new, rookie quarterback next season and other needs.