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While the world was watching the Arizona Cardinals defeat the New Orleans Saints on Thursday Night Football, the San Francisco 49ers and Carolina Panthers were finalizing a blockbuster trade that would send running back Christian McCaffrey to the Bay Area in exchange for a boatload of draft picks.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Panthers are trading star running back Christian McCaffrey to the 49ers in exchange for a 2023 2nd, 3rd, and 4th round draft pick. Additionally, the Panthers will also receive a 5th-round selection in 2024.
Stunner: Panthers are trading Pro-Bowl RB Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for draft picks, sources tell ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 21, 2022
McCaffrey returns to the Bay Area, where he attended Stanford. pic.twitter.com/R474r3eSkv
McCaffrey, 26, is an offensive weapon. A weapon, that when healthy, is one of the league’s best running backs AND pass-catchers. He now finds himself in San Francisco with one of the greatest offensive masterminds in football.
49ers' RB Christian McCaffrey is scheduled to fly to San Francisco on Friday, when he will meet his new teammates and begin to learn the new playbook. It will be challenging to have him in uniform Sunday vs. the Chiefs, but McCaffrey did go to Stanford and anything possible.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 21, 2022
During his seven seasons in the league, McCaffrey has appeared in 64 games for the Panthers, rushing for 3,980 yards and 32 touchdowns. He also caught 390 of 482 targets for 3,292 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Now, I know you’re probably asking yourself:
What does this mean to me?
Well, the answer is quite simple. The Miami Dolphins currently hold the 49ers’ 2023 first-round pick. A pick that at one point (may have) looked promising, but now, Miami might be drafting in the bottom third of the draft. Much like what they were ready to do back in April before making a trade for Tyreek Hill.
With McCaffrey now in San Francisco, the 49ers’ Super Bowl odds have increased, as did their chance to win the NFC West. You’d expect this after a team lands a top-5 running back (when healthy). So the trade will have a trickle-down effect in Fantasy Football leagues all over the country. But for me, I’m a little conflicted.
The truth is, I love CMC. He’s arguably my favorite player that doesn’t play for Miami. However, now, his success directly affects my favorite football team. And while I’d love for him to go scorched earth for my fantasy team, the Dolphins’ first-round pick is far more critical, IMO.
Whatever the case, the Dolphins and their fanbase will watch the 49ers closely over the next 12+ weeks. Watching and waiting for the 49ers to trip up, improving Miami’s first-round draft pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
What are your thoughts on the San Francisco 49ers sending four draft picks in exchange for Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey? Do you like the scheme fit? How many fantasy shares of CMC do you have? What does this mean for the Dolphins' 2023 first-round draft pick? Let us know in the comments section below!
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