NFL insider reveals how Christian McCaffrey could impact Panthers pursuit of Deshaun Watson

It is pretty well known that the Carolina Panthers are involved in the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes. While the package to acquire Watson would be substantial, the potential involvement of running back Christian McCaffrey could potentially have major impacts on the likelihood of a deal.

But on Tuesday morning, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that the Panthers would like to hold onto McCaffrey instead of including him in a deal for Watson.

“Christian McCaffrey has been the subject of trade rumors, but it’s my understanding that the Panthers would want to keep McCaffrey to bolster the offense around Deshaun Watson,” Fowler said. “Perhaps Houston requires him in the deal, but the goal is to surround Watson with best weapons.”

As Fowler said, McCaffrey’s name has popped up during trade talks this offseason. McCaffrey is one of the NFL’s best offensive weapons when healthy, but he has seriously struggled to stay on the field in recent years. He rushed for 1,098 yards and seven touchdowns while adding 107 receptions for 867 yards and six more touchdowns in 2018. In 2019, McCaffrey rushed for 1,387 yards and 15 touchdowns, adding 116 receptions for 1,005 yards and four touchdowns.

McCaffrey was named an All-Pro and a Pro Bowler for his strong 2019 season. After that year, he signed a four-year, $64 million contract extension with the Panthers, making him the NFL’s highest paid running back on an annual basis. But he hasn’t been able to stay healthy since. McCaffrey has played in just ten games over the past two seasons.

But when healthy, McCaffrey is a valuable part of the Panthers offense. If McCaffrey is able to stay on the field and the Panthers add Watson at quarterback, the offense should substantially improve next season.

What a trade for Watson could look like without McCaffrey

Watson is expected to meet with the Panthers, along with the Saints in Browns, in the next day or two. The Panthers have already reportedly offered a trade for Watson, one that doesn’t include McCaffrey and includes substantial draft compensation.

Assuming the Panthers aren’t willing to include McCaffrey in a trade for Watson, Carolina could have a couple of different ways to build a package. Safety Jeremy Chinn is reportedly not expected to be involved in a deal, but multiple other young defensive stars are on the table.

“Sources tell TexansDaily.com that Carolina is not expected to offer safety Jeremy Chinn in any deal,” wrote Cole Thompson of SI’s Fan Nation. “However, defensive end Brian Burns, defensive tackle Derrick Brown and cornerback Jaycee Horn could be on table in a trade, along with multiple picks.”