Late Thursday night, NFL Twitter exploded reacting to the news that All-Pro and fantasy football MVP Christian McCaffrey will be traded to the San Francisco 49ers for four draft picks.
It was known that the Carolina Panthers were shopping McCaffrey for a potential trade, but many were surprised it was the 49ers, who now have a top running back to complement their great receivers.
McCaffrey posted a goodbye to Carolina on his Twitter account as he showed his appreciation to the team who started his NFL career.
McCaffrey wrote, “I’m forever grateful for all of the people who have helped make these past 5 1/2 years so special for me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
“Carolina, I will always love you.” #KeepPounding
I’m forever grateful for all of the people who have helped make these past 5 1/2 years so special for me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Carolina, I will always love you💙#KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/0rBS8Ajhgy
— Christian McCaffrey (@CMC_22) October 21, 2022
The trade seems beneficial for both sides. The Panthers have had five wins the past three years and it’s possible they’ll be even worse in 2022. Having arguably the best running back on your team when you’re only getting a few wins doesn’t make much sense so the Panthers can get picks and rebuild.
The 49ers are in “win now” mode and even with the uncertainty at quarterback, they have a great team everywhere else that maybe they can get away with Jimmy Garoppolo leading them under center. With six third round compensatory picks coming their way, the 49ers can trade a bunch of picks if it means an immediate jolt in the running game.
