Christian McCaffrey is going back to Cali.
The Panthers are trading the star running back to the San Francisco 49ers for a package that includes a haul of draft picks, according to multiple reports. In return, Carolina reportedly will receive a second, third and fourth round pick in 2023 and a fifth-rounder in 2025.
The NFL Network reported that the Niners’ division-rival Rams had also been in talks with the Panthers about trading for McCaffrey. He comes as a bit of a bargain. The 49ers owe McCaffrey just $690,000 for the rest of this season and $12 million for each of the next three seasons through 2025 with just $1 million guaranteed for injury.
McCaffrey suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 12 last season. This year, he has 85 carries for 393 yards and two touchdowns. A dual threat, he also has 33 catches for 277 yards and a touchdown.
Christian McCaffrey is headed to the 49ers after the Panthers’ stunning Thursday night trade.USTA TODAY SportsThe 26-year-old McCaffrey is in his sixth season in the NFL, after getting drafted in the first round out of Stanford. He was a first-team All-Pro in 2019 and a second-team All-Pro the prior season.
McCaffrey has already spoken to the 49ers and head coach Kyle Shanahan and will join the team tomorrow, according to NFL Network. It is possible he plays Sunday against the Chiefs. If so, he would be used in red zone packages before expanding his role, the NFL Network reported.
The Panthers have gotten off to a disappointing 1-5 start, as Baker Mayfield has failed to reignite his career in Carolina. The team fired head coach Matt Rhule earlier this month, and shipped Robbie Anderson to Arizona after the wideout was thrown out of this past week’s game against the Rams by interim head coach Steve Wilks.
The 49ers are adding to a team that is considered on the fringe of Super Bowl contention. Earlier this year, they lost their starting running back Elijah Mitchell to an MCL injury and put him on IR. San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters earlier this week that they hope to get Mitchell back in the first week of November.
