Panthers GM not 'shopping' All-Pro Christian McCaffrey

Carolina Panthers All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey has endured a miserable couple of seasons during which injuries kept him out of action for 23 of a possible 33 games. Shortly after the Panthers shut McCaffrey down for the rest of the current campaign in late November, rumors again popped up that the club could look to trade the talented 25-year-old playing on a four-year, $64 million deal through 2025. 

Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer addressed such rumblings on Monday, one day after his team ended the 2021 season at 5-12. 

"There was a report back in November that we were actively trying to trade him, and I told him that was not true,'' Fitterer explained, according to David Newton of ESPN. "What I did tell him was, 'Hey, listen, I'll take any call. Call and make any offer you want.'

"'That doesn't mean we'll do it. That doesn't mean we're shopping you.' I look at Christian as a foundation piece on this team. We're a better team when he's on the field. He's one of the elite players in the NFL.''

Head coach Matt Rhule said one plan was to have McCaffrey feature more as a slot receiver before he was sidelined, first with a hamstring problem and later with an ankle injury.  

"I fully expect Christian to be here next year,'' Rhule added. "I look for Christian to come back and be healthier than ever.''

Fitterer and Rhule may have no other option than to attempt to speak such optimism into existence this winter, as it's practically guaranteed the Panthers wouldn't receive anything close to equal value in a trade involving McCaffrey because of his injury history coupled with his massive contract. A healthy McCaffrey is undeniably one of the top offensive playmakers and home-run hitters in the NFL, but no would-be buyer can bank on getting that version of the one-time Pro Bowl selection for an entire season.