The Carolina Panthers have supposedly made just about every player on their roster available for trade this offseason, but they proved this week just how much they value star running back Christian McCaffrey.
McCaffrey has agreed to a four-year extension with the Panthers that will pay him around $16 million per year, ESPN’s Adam Schefter first reported. The deal will make McCaffrey the highest-paid running back in NFL history.
Carolina’s Christian McCaffrey is signing a four-year extension, averaging $16 million per year, making him the highest-paid running back in NFL history, sources tell ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 13, 2020
McCaffrey issued a statement confirming the new agreement.
Christian McCaffrey: “I’m so excited to continue my career in Carolina. I want to thank Mr. Tepper, Marty Hurney, and Coach Rhule for the opportunity to help lead this great franchise, and to all my teammates for their help along the way. And to Panthers fans, KEEP POUNDING!”
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 13, 2020
Ezekiel Elliott was previously the highest-paid running back in football after he signed a contract worth $15 million per year with the Dallas Cowboys last offseason.
While $16 million per year may sound like a lot for a running back, McCaffrey is basically a running back and a wide receiver. He had 2,392 total yards of offense and 19 touchdowns in 2019. His 116 receptions were a record for an NFL running back, surpassing the previous mark of 107 that he set in 2018.
There are a lot of question marks surrounding the Panthers under new head coach Matt Rhule, but McCaffrey’s ability to change the game cannot be overstated.
