NFL trading season started early and it started loudly.
The Carolina Panthers dealt star running back Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers. ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke the news and tweeted.
“Stunner: Panthers are trading Pro-Bowl RB Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for draft picks, sources tell ESPN.McCaffrey returns to the Bay Area, where he attended Stanford.”
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport the Panthers are getting four picks in the deal.
He tweeted: “Full terms: -- The #49ers get star RB Christian McCaffrey. -- The #Panthers get a 2nd round pick in 2023, a third-rounder in 2023, and a fourth-round pick in 2023. Plus, a fifth-rounder in 2024.”
McCaffrey’s departure signals an overhaul in Carolina which fired Matt Rhule and has had problems at quarterback. It also shows the 49ers are still committed to chasing a title even without Trey Lance. Jimmy Garoppolo has played well enough to keep San Francisco contending.
McCaffrey has 85 carries for 393 yards and two touchdowns this season. Injuries have hampered him over the last two seasons. In 2019 he was among the league’s best backs with 1,387 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns and 1,005 receiving yards and four TD catches.