Report: Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey traded to San Francisco 49ers

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Carolina running back Christian McCaffrey is now on the move. He will be returning to the Bay Area, as the Panthers have traded the running back to the San Francisco 49ers. He will remain in the NFC and will join up with head coach Kyle Shanahan.

“Stunner: Panthers are trading Pro-Bowl RB Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for draft picks, sources tell ESPN,” Schefter said. “McCaffrey returns to the Bay Area, where he attended Stanford.”

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Ian Rapoport was the first to reveal the full terms of the deal, with Carolina getting draft picks back for McCaffrey. San Francisco was able to push the trade through without giving up a first-round pick back to the Panthers.

“Full terms: — The #49ers get star RB Christian McCaffrey,” Rapoport said. “The #Panthers get a 2nd round pick in 2023, a third-rounder in 2023, and a fourth-round pick in 2023. Plus, a fifth-rounder in 2024.”

Before the trade occurred, reports were that multiple teams were actively trying to acquire McCaffrey. One was rumored to be the Buffalo Bills, which would make their offense even scarier. However, Rapoport confirmed they wound up not being in the race eventually won by the 49ers.

This is the second offensive player Carolina has moved this week, moving Robbie Anderson to another NFC West franchise. He is now with the Arizona Cardinals after being kicked off the field on Sunday against the Rams.

Christian McCaffrey unlikely to play for 49ers on Sunday

San Francisco has a heavyweight matchup on Sunday, hosting the Kansas City Chiefs. However, according to Schefter, it’s unlikely McCaffrey is ready to go.

“I don’t think he’s going to play this week,” Schefter said on SportsCenter with Scott Van Pelt on Thursday. “I think it’s going to be a bit ambitious to get Christian McCaffrey on the field in time for Sunday. Look, I think the 49ers may try, but my understanding in speaking to various people tonight is it’s going to be tough to get him out on the field. They’ll probably get him out to San Francisco tomorrow, put him through a physical, have him go through the playbook.

“It’s hard to just put him out there. I guess they could have a select package of plays. It’s not hard for somebody as talented as Christian McCaffrey. But my understanding is as of tonight … it was unlikely that he would play on Sunday.”