Spotrac weighs in on the contract extension:
Christian McCaffrey carried an $18M valuation in our system mostly because he’s been a WR2 as much as an RB1 for the #Panthers in his first three seasons. Versatility will always pay. https://t.co/rMWRVf5zAD
— Spotrac (@spotrac) April 13, 2020
Update 2: It’s now being reported that this is essentially a six-year contract. McCaffrey has two years left on his rookie deal, plus the four-year extension he just signed. He will become a free agent in 2025.
Just to clarify, Christian McCaffrey's extension keeps him under contract through 2025 season, per league source. The two remaining yrs on rookie deal, plus the 4-yr extension.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) April 13, 2020
Update 1: For those wondering, this four-year, $64 million extension supersedes McCaffrey’s fifth-year option, so the Panthers will only have him for a minimum of five more years, not six. McCaffrey will be a free agent when he is 29 years old.
Extension supersedes the fifth-yr option.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) April 13, 2020
The Carolina Panthers are expected to retain the services of superstar running back Christian McCaffrey for at least another six years according to a report from ESPN insider Adam Schefter. McCaffrey is expected to sign a four-year contract extension that will average $16 million per season, making him the highest paid running back in NFL history.
Carolina’s Christian McCaffrey is signing a four-year extension, averaging $16 million per year, making him the highest-paid running back in NFL history, sources tell ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 13, 2020
This is a solid move by the Panthers that keeps their most explosive and versatile offensive weapon on the roster for the next six years. While the strategy of over-paying a running back isn’t exactly the best way to build a football team in 2020, McCaffrey is an exception to the rule because he is both an elite running back and an elite wide receiver. He’s also a pretty good punt and kick returner, though he really shouldn’t be tasked with those duties on a good football team (not that we know what one of those is at the moment).
Head coach Matt Rhule has said several times now that he likes players who are multiple, and he has probably the best multi-tool weapon in the league at his disposal for at least the next six years. I for one can’t wait to see what the future holds for McCaffrey in the new-look Panthers offense, but what about you, Panthers fans? Do you like this move? Why or why not? Let’s hear your thoughts!