Holdout, trade or extension? Panthers and Christian McCaffrey have key decisions to make
As free agency is rapidly scheduled to approach, we have been breaking down the various position groups on the Panthers’ roster.
Running back is the position that’s most secure. Did you see Christian McCaffrey in 2019?
But this isn’t any ordinary offseason for the Panthers, so there are question marks about what is next for McCaffrey as well. This position breakdown will be a little different than others as we know how well things went at running back in 2019. McCaffrey was in the conversation for league MVP before the Panthers’ record turned for the worst and still remained an Offensive Player of the Year candidate. He became the third player in NFL history to have 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in a single season.
McCaffrey is entering the last year of his rookie deal. For many running backs (see Melvin Gordon and Ezekiel Elliott in 2019), this last year has become a time when running backs have tried to hold out for long-term deals, some successfully, some not.
Here’s a look at the many options for what is next for McCaffrey and the other running backs on the roster:
Panthers offseason position analysis:
A possible extension
With one-year left on his deal, McCaffrey is set up for a potential extension this offseason. But that will undoubtedly come at a high price. Because of his large role in the passing game, the running back can be viewed as a receiver, as well. There has been talk of McCaffrey resetting the market with his new deal because of that. There aren’t many running backs out there who are so valuable to a team’s passing game, which is something his representatives will make a point of in negotiations.
The problem for the Panthers will be if they can afford to give McCaffrey what he is requesting. Whether the Panthers are rebuilding or if they were trying to win a Super Bowl in 2020, many teams have been hesitant to give running backs long-term deals or significant guaranteed money after their rookie contracts. It hasn’t always worked out well (see Todd Gurley and the Rams) and that will play a factor in how much Carolina wants to pay. The market for running backs is a weird place. Free agent Derrick Henry’s upcoming new deal could play a role, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if McCaffrey, who was the team’s MVP last year, sets the market in terms of contracts for running backs going forward.
Trade?
Coach Matt Rhule said everyone was on the table at the NFL Scouting Combine last month, and McCaffrey appears to be no exception. His name has come up as a potential trade candidate for the Panthers. After swapping Trai Turner for Russell Okung earlier this month, it served as a stark reminder that almost no player on the roster was safe.
Would it make sense to trade McCaffrey? If the team is undergoing a true rebuild, then possibly. As previously discussed, he is about to be due a lot of money and someone is going to pay him. The running back has expressed interest in remaining in Carolina for the long haul, but do the Panthers want to pay a running back that much money? The return would be immense and helpful for a team rebuilding, but with McCaffrey having one year left on his deal, it may not be as great as the Panthers would want. An agreement on a potential extension may have to be in place before a trade. But with so many key pieces of the franchise already departing this offseason (Greg Olsen, Luke Kuechly), trading McCaffrey would leave very few franchise-type players on the roster.
What’s next
Everything is in wait-and-see mode right now. Could a holdout be a potential for McCaffrey? Sure. His agent, Joel Segal, helped Khalil Mack through a successful holdout a couple years ago, and McCaffrey is a valuable player and trade chip for the Panthers.
There’s always a chance that McCaffrey just plays out his one year and then moves on, but that seems to make the least sense for the Panthers.
Under contract (5)
Christian McCaffrey (Entering final year of 4-yr, $17.2 million deal)
Reggie Bonnafon (1-year, $585,000 contract)
Bonnafon was set to become an exclusive rights free agent, but the Panthers re-signed him to a one-year extension this offseason. He took advantage of his opportunities in 2019, 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.
He played quarterback, wide receiver and running back during his time at Louisville. Because Bonnafon has experience at so many positions, he could fit into more roles in Joe Brady’s new offense and has the potential to see more playing time behind McCaffrey.
Mike Davis (Entering final year of 2-year, $6 million deal)
Davis was signed off waivers from the Bears in Week 11 last season. He appeared in five games and had just two carries, while also helping a little on special teams. He’s a veteran presence on the offense.
Jordan Scarlett (Entering second year of 4-year, $2.8 million contract)
Mostly a special teams player in his rookie season, it will be interesting to see if Scarlett gets any more carries in 2020. He appeared in just three games on offense in 2019.
Marcus Murphy (1-year, $741,000 contract)
Murphy signed a reserve future contract with the Panthers at the conclusion of the 2019 season.
