Would the Panthers trade McCaffrey? It’s possible, but deal for Anderson more likely
The Carolina Panthers have received calls from other teams hoping to take advantage of the dramatic end to the Matt Rhule era.
Those calls have most notably revolved around Panthers star running back Christian McCaffrey, but the Panthers aren’t inclined to simply give away the former Pro Bowl playmaker. However, the front office has been willing to listen to calls about McCaffrey ahead of the NFL trade deadline on Nov. 1, according to a league source with knowledge of the Panthers’ thinking, and would consider significant offers.
McCaffrey, the Panthers’ do-it-all back, has generated 324 rushing yards, 188 receiving yards and three total touchdowns through five games entering Sunday’s game. His versatility and cheap base salary for the remainder of the season — $1.035 million, according to Over The Cap — make McCaffrey an intriguing asset on the trade market. But for the Panthers, the price in return needs to be worth it. McCaffrey has been the team’s chief playmaker — when not sidelined due to multiple injuries — throughout his run in Carolina. He’s also only 26.
On other end of the spectrum, wideout Robbie Anderson, 29, is being actively shopped on the trade market, according to a league source. Anderson is one of Rhule’s most notable pupils, as their relationship goes back to their college days at Temple. Anderson had an impressive debut season with the Panthers in 2020, but has become an inconsistent weapon ever since. With Rhule no longer with the Panthers, Anderson could follow his longtime mentor out the door, if the Panthers get an offer worth their while.
Through five games, Anderson has caught 13 of 27 targets for 206 yards and a touchdown. Like McCaffrey, Anderson has a $1.035 million base salary this season, making him an intriguing wideout addition with stretch-the-field speed for a potential playoff contender. Anderson is set to make an affordable $8.8 million next season in the final year of his deal, so an acquiring team would be getting a long-term asset in a trade.
Another player receiving interest on the trade market is veteran offensive lineman Cam Erving, according to two league sources. Erving, the Panthers’ swing tackle, has taken on a mentor role as a backup and he is working very closely with rookie left tackle Ikem Ekwonu. With several teams dealing with offensive line injuries, Erving could net the Panthers a late-round pick. With only four picks in next year’s draft, dealing Erving for a future asset is logical.
According to a league source, notable Panther names such as defensive end Brian Burns, defensive tackle Derrick Brown and wideout DJ Moore are receiving trade inquiries, but barring an overwhelmingly significant offer, the Panthers aren’t likely to deal any member of that trio. The team views those three players as building blocks.
Interim head coach Steve Wilks will begin his tenure at the top on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium at 4:05 ET. With owner David Tepper saying Wilks needs to do an “incredible job” to be considered for the permanent job, he isn’t likely to want the Panthers to part ways with any notable players.
The same could be said for general manager Scott Fitterer, who is looking to build up the roster following Rhule’s departure. Trading away premium players could hurt the Panthers this season and make the squad less appealing to potential candidates in the offseason.
This story was originally published October 16, 2022 at 1:42 PM with the headline "Would the Panthers trade McCaffrey? It’s possible, but deal for Anderson more likely."
