49ers‘ Gamble on McCaffrey Trade Continues to Pay Dividends as Panthers’ Return Falters
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – The San Francisco 49ers’ acquisition of Christian McCaffrey in October 2022 continues to be a pivotal move, bolstering their Super bowl aspirations while the draft capital sent by the Carolina Panthers has yielded minimal returns. The trade,initially met with scrutiny due to the cost,has demonstrably favored the 49ers,who are poised for another potential playoff run.
Carolina packaged the 2023 No.61 pick – originally acquired from the 49ers in the McCaffrey deal – along with other selections to move up and draft quarterback Bryce Young. However, the subsequent performance of players acquired with the additional picks has been underwhelming. DJ Johnson, the edge rusher selected at No. 80 after a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers for Carolina’s 2023 third-rounder and their own, was released after four games this season, totaling only half a sack in 31 games with five starts. Cornerback Chau Smith-Wade, drafted with a 2024 fifth-round pick, has started just seven of 24 possible games.
The Panthers did realize a financial benefit, saving over $11.7 million in cap space in 2023 and 2024 due to prior salary cap conversions with McCaffrey. However, the on-field impact has been negligible. “it came down to what’s the path forward?” a league source familiar with the trade discussions said. “Christian was a freaking tremendous leader and person… Everything about him was dynamic in the building.”
Despite being a half-game behind the Buccaneers in the NFC South and Young’s 6-4 record as a starter this season, questions persist regarding his long-term viability as a franchise quarterback. The Panthers haven’t experienced a winning season or playoff appearance since 2017. A league source lamented the trade’s outcome, stating, ”It didn’t do any good. It’s still a shame [they] didn’t get at least one first-round pick for him.”
Simultaneously occurring, McCaffrey has become an integral part of the 49ers’ offense, consistently delivering impactful performances.While Young shows flashes of potential,the trade’s clear winner is San Francisco,who leveraged future draft capital to acquire a player currently driving their championship ambitions.
