Yesterday, 8:19 pm
49ers acquired RB Christian McCaffrey from the Panthers.
Advice: NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports the Panthers' compensation is second-, third-, and fourth-round picks next spring, plus a 2024 fifth-rounder. It's not the first-round pick the Panthers were seeking, but definitely the next best thing for a running back in 2022. You don't need us to tell you the fantasy implications. McCaffrey is going from the least-coherent offense in the NFL to arguably the best-designed rushing attack, one that is never shy about targeting running backs. That is especially true with check-down artist Jimmy Garoppolo under center. Even with Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle in tow, McCaffrey is going to go absolutely nuclear. His arrival is a concern for his new teammates' touch totals. He could steal some of Samuel's slashing-style handles. Jeff Wilson, of course, is now droppable. As for the runners McCaffrey leaves behind in Charlotte, D'Onta Foreman and Chuba Hubbard will form a low-upside committee, one likely led by Foreman. Game script is going to be negative the final 11 weeks of the season, making it difficult for either to rise above low-end FLEX status. Last but not least, Schefter has reported it is unclear if McCaffrey will actually make his 49ers debut in Sunday's game against the Chiefs but consider us skeptical the Niners would surrender that kind of picks cache then not play CMC in one of the biggest games of the year. He should be out there and receive a bare minimum of 12-15 touches.