By Alex Al-Kazzaz
There was speculation that Christian McCaffrey would be traded from the Carolina Panthers. Sources indicated that McCaffrey was reportedly linked with the likes of the Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Rams, and the Miami Dolphins in the mix. San Francisco was also part of the mix considering the running back troubles with the absence of Elijah Mitchell. And it turns out San Francisco was able to cut a deal that can greatly benefit the Panthers.
Carolina receives 2023 second, third, and fourth-round draft picks and a 2024 fifth-round pick. The team is 1-5, they haven't had a winning season since 2017, and they've recently fired Matt Rhule. The entire team is in shambles. So it's safe to say that perhaps sending McCaffrey to the Bay area is part of a rebuilding process. However, Carolina has to figure out their issues regarding the quarterback position.
Things have been rough for McCaffrey lately. During the 2020 and 2021 seasons, he missed a total of 23 games due to injury. Who'll ever forget when in 2019, he became only the third player in history to have 1000 yards both on the ground and receiving? Injuries have really affected his value and stock. Therefore, perhaps a trade is a much-needed fresh start for the 2017 8th overall draft pick. Even better, a move to the 49ers is a bit of a homecoming considering he won't be from his alma mater, Stanford.
San Francisco is 3-3 and on top of the NFC West. This Sunday, they take on the Kansas City Chiefs in a Super Bowl rematch. It's strongly insisted that McCaffrey is the piece of a puzzle for a Super Bowl run. That all remains to be seen.