Carolina Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer is always in on every deal—even when it could be for his most important player.
According to ESPN senior writer Adam Schefter, the team is taking inquiries on Christian McCaffrey. In fact, they’ve already turned a few of them down as recently as last week.
“The Carolina Panthers are listening to other teams about a potential trade for star running back Christian McCaffrey, although a deal might not be easy to complete, league sources tell ESPN,” Schefter writes.
“The Panthers rebuffed at least two teams’ inquiries into trading for McCaffrey last week and will continue to reject overtures that they don’t consider to be significant offers, according to sources.”
This past Monday, the organization fired head coach Matt Rhule—who was in the middle of the third year of his lucrative seven-year pact. Carolina will now likely restart their rebuilding process in 2023, leaving valuable veterans such as McCaffrey potentially vulnerable to a move.
But, as Schefter also notes, the Panthers won’t just give him up.
“Although the Panthers have been listening, it hardly means they are dealing McCaffrey,” he adds. “If the Panthers do not receive what they feel is a real offer — with a high draft pick or multiple picks — they are adamant that they will hold on to McCaffrey past the NFL’s Nov. 1 trade deadline, sources told ESPN.”
McCaffrey is currently in the middle of a mega deal of his own—a four-year, $64 million extension he signed back in 2020. Through five games this season, he’s totaled 512 yards from scrimmage with three touchdowns.
