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The Panthers maintained that they weren’t actively shopping running back Christian McCaffrey, but there were more than a few good reasons to make a deal.
More than anything else, the trade gives Carolina another layer of protection heading into the 2023 Draft. GM Scott Fitterer landed four draft picks for McCaffrey, and while none were first-rounders, all of them have value.
The top goal for the Panthers in the offseason will be to draft a franchise quarterback. If they land a top-two pick, they have nothing to worry about – a quarterback will be there. If they don’t, it’s possible a trade would be necessary. For a franchise that was short on picks coming into the season the McCaffrey deal now makes such a trade possible.
It takes huge assets to move up even a small handful of picks at the top of the draft. If the Panthers believe Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud are the only surefire franchise quarterbacks in the draft, they now have the ammo to move up one, two, or three spots if needed. If the Panthers also consider Will Levis to be part of that group, landing a franchise signal-caller is now a near-guarantee.
The only scenario in which the Panthers aren’t able to draft Young or Stroud would be if they don’t land a top-two pick and quarterback-needy teams fill both of those spots instead. However, if a team such as the Steelers lands a top-two pick, we could see them stick with Kenny Pickett and give the pick to the highest bidder. With four extra draft picks in their arsenal, the Panthers have positioned themselves to make a serious bid.
Dealing McCaffrey also delivers a blow to an already sluggish offense, putting Carolina in better position to keep losing and land a high draft pick.
Until further notice, it’s all about finding a quarterback for the Panthers. The rest of the roster can be addressed later. Heading into Week 7, Carolina has the NFL’s worst record at 1-5.
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