Could the Panthers’ star running back, Christian McCaffrey, be on the move in the wake of head coach Matt Rhule’s firing?
That’s what the rumor mill is churning after Carolina parted ways with Rhule on Monday, when Dan Fetes of the Rochester-based 13WHAM reported that the Bills reached out to the Panthers in regards to McCaffrey, 26.
A short time after, however, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that the Panthers have not engaged in trade talks about McCaffrey with the Bills or any other team this season — adding that Carolina already paid most of the veteran running back’s $8.6 million salary in a bonus.
ESPN NFL reporter Kimberly Martin also reported that “no one from the Bills has called the Panthers” about McCaffrey.
Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey during a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Bank of America Stadium on Oct. 9, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Getty ImagesIn response to the news of Rhule’s dismissal in Carolina after two seasons and change at the helm, multiple reports said NFL teams would be targeting Carolina’s star players — McCaffrey, specifically, with an emphasis on the Bills.
Though McCaffrey remains in Carolina as of Tuesday — as the Pro Bowler is two years removed from signing a four-year, $64 million contract extension — some members of the Bills brass have ties to the running back, making for a potentially sweet reunion should a trade come to fruition.
Buffalo’s general manager, Brandon Beane, was with the Panthers when they drafted McCaffrey eighth overall in 2017. Beane was hired by the Bills after the 2017 NFL Draft.
Bills offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey, in addition to quarterbacks coach Joe Brady and offensive assistant Mike Shula, were all in prominent roles with the Panthers during McCaffrey’s Carolina tenure.
Although Buffalo may be interested in McCaffrey, a possible union could come with a steep price tag. The running back has a long history of injuries — playing just 10 games combined in the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
When healthy, however, McCaffrey is regarded as one of the top offensive weapons in the league. Through five games this season, McCaffrey has 512 total yards and three touchdowns.
Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey before a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Bank of America Stadium on Oct. 9, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Getty ImagesThe Panthers visit the Rams in Week 6.
The 2022 NFL trade deadline is Tuesday, Nov. 1.
