The first big time trade of the NFL season has gone down. Christian McCaffrey traded to the San Francisco 49ers for a boat load of draft picks. This trade has shaken up the NFL world. Arguable the best Running Back is now with one of the best running games in the league. The price tag was stiff for the 49ers though. They are sending a 2023 2nd, 3rd, and 4th round pick and a 2024 5th round pick as Christian McCaffrey traded.
Strange Move
This move is going to work out for the 49ers, but it seems like a strange move. Hear me out. Kyle Shanahan can put pretty much anyone in their backfield and get really good production. Jeff Wilson has been really good since starter Elijah Mitchell went down. Wilson is averaging 4.6 yards per carry- good enough for 13th best in the league among Running Backs. Mitchell was averaging 6.8 YPC before his injury, and Deebo Samuel adds a different element to their running game with his versatility. Samuel has an impressive YPC at 5.9. CMC is going to be awesome in San Francisco, but with the steep price tag it seems like a big price for a luxury item. But in a down NFC this could be a move to push the 49ers to the top of the conference.
Panthers Perspective
From the Panthers perspective I like this move. The Carolina roster is a ways away from competing for championships. Keeping Christian McCaffrey is like keeping a Range Rover in the driveway of a shack. It just doesn't make sense. Also, McCaffrey will be 27 next season. He is still in his prime, but by the time Carolina gets competitive he will be creeping up on 30. 30-year old Running Backs generally stink. The Panthers are in full blown rebuild mode now, and can focus on earning a high draft pick. Panthers fans won't like it, but this was the right move for them right now.
