Christian McCaffrey’s contract situation the only real question ahead for Panthers at RB
Much of the offseason talk for the Panthers has justifiably revolved around the future of Cam Newton.
But the Panthers are also heading into an interesting time with their MVP of the 2019 season, running back Christian McCaffrey, and what his future may hold, especially for a team that is beginning a rebuilding process.
McCaffrey is entering the final year of his rookie deal, which has become the time top NFL running backs have looked for contract extensions, such as Ezekiel Elliott and Melvin Gordon in 2019.
Whether it’s 2020 or 2021, McCaffrey is going to demand big money. What does that mean for the Panthers rebuild? And what are their running back options behind McCaffrey?
Panthers offseason position analysis:
Last year, Elliott and Gordon, held out of training camp for new contracts. Elliott ended up becoming the highest paid running back in NFL history (six-year, $90 million extension), while Gordon returned midseason without a new contract and is set to become a free agent next month.
WHAT WENT RIGHT IN 2019
McCaffrey became the third player in NFL history to have 1,000 rushing and 1,000 receiving yards in a single season, joining Marshall Faulk and Roger Craig. His 2,392 scrimmage yards were also third-most in a single season in NFL history.
He was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career and was named first-team All Pro at two positions (running back and flex). McCaffrey was the first Panthers running back to ever make the All Pro first team and the first NFL player to be selected first-team flex and first-team at another position.
If history has shown anything, McCaffrey will likely desire a contract extension this offseason instead of waiting until 2021 when he is set to become a free agent. However, the team can exercise his fifth-year option for 2021 — essentially a one-year extension — even if they are working on a longer term deal. That doesn’t mean a new deal won’t happen this offseason, but paying McCaffrey will put the Panthers in an interesting position with the rebuilding process. The team is figuring out how to best work its cap space, especially with the uncertainty at quarterback and Carolina reconfiguring its defense with seven starters hitting free agency. They have to pay some of those players, too, potentially expensive pieces, including cornerback James Bradberry, and will be attempting to replace key players, like linebacker Luke Kuechly.
McCaffrey is in line to surpass what Elliott was paid last year, due to his production and significant role in the passing game. He played 93.4 percent of offensive snaps in 2019. What he did all over the field was unique in the NFL last year. He will play a pivotal role in Joe Brady’s new offense, but there is of course the concern of the amount of wear and tear on his body from the past couple years.
The 23-year old running back may be looking to reset the market due to playing such a critical role all over the field. His agent, Joel Segal, is no stranger to conducting successful NFL holdouts, including Khalil Mack’s eventual trade to the Bears in 2018.
Either way, McCaffrey will be due for a lot of money sooner rather than later and while recent history of giving running backs big money hasn’t always paid off, it’s hard to see McCaffrey not as a key part of the rebuild with everything he can do.
WHAT WENT WRONG IN 2019
Not a lot. If anything, the only criticism would be that the Panthers used McCaffrey too much toward the end of the season and didn’t give more reps to his backups, like Reggie Bonnafon. But if they had, McCaffrey wouldn’t have had that record-setting season. Only time will tell if the wear and tear on his body will have an impact in the long run.
UNDER CONTRACT (5)
Christian McCaffrey. Entering final year of four-year, $17.2 million contract with possible fifth-year option.
Reggie Bonnafon. Just signed one-year extension
Bonnafon was set to become an exclusive rights free agent this offseason, but the Panthers took care of that before the season began, signing McCaffrey’s back-up to a one-year extension.
Bonnafon rarely saw the field in 2019. He was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2018 and spent his rookie season on the team’s practice squad. In 2019, Bonnafon took advantage of his opportunities, finishing with 16 rushes for 116 yards and a touchdown. His big game came in Week 5 against Jacksonville when he rushed for 80 yards, including a 59-yard touchdown, on five carries. Bonnafon played quarterback, wide receiver and running back during his time at Louisville. Because he has experience at so many positions, he could be better utilized in Joe Brady’s new offense and see more playing time behind McCaffrey.
Mike Davis. Entering second year of 2-year, $6 million contract
The Panthers acquired the veteran running back off waivers from the Bears midseason. His only offensive plays came in the final game of the season. The Panthers can release him this offseason with virtually zero dead cap money.
Marcus Murphy. Panthers signed him to a reserve future contract at the end of the season. He didn’t play at all last season after spending the previous two years in Buffalo.
Jordan Scarlett. Entering second year of four-year, $2.8 million contract
In his rookie season, Scarlett played in nine games with four carries for nine yards. He also contributed on special teams.
OFFSEASON NEEDS
The Panthers are set for 2020. They made sure the running back group was set for the season by re-signing Bonnafon and giving the team an intriguing backup behind McCaffrey. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Panthers cut Davis to save the $3 million and bring in a cheaper free agent or late-round draft pick. But the only big question will be what comes next with the star back.
