"Even today, some wonder why the organization moved its best player, but the answer was simple: Even with McCaffrey, the 2017 No. 8 draft pick, Carolina was 1-5, had just fired coach Matt Rhule and hadn't been to the playoffs or had a winning season since 2017. The organization was looking for a path to turn things around. That meant acquiring draft picks to rebuild and potentially select a franchise quarterback,"
"McCaffrey, despite being limited to 10 games the previous two seasons, was their most valuable asset outside of edge rusher Brian Burns, who some in the organization considered too valuable to move because his position is hard to replace. The Panthers turned down two first-round picks from the Rams in October of 2023, but a year later, they sent Burns to the Giants in a deal headlined by a second-rounder."
"The suitors were narrowed down to the 49ers, Los Angeles Rams and Buffalo Bills. Then-Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer wanted a first-round pick, but those teams were unwilling or unable to do that. The 49ers, who did not have a 2023 first-round pick, ultimately made the best offer: a second-, third- and fourth-round pick in 2023, and a fifth-rounder in 2024. Owner David Tepper signed off on it."
The Panthers were 1-5, had fired coach Matt Rhule, and had not reached the playoffs or posted a winning season since 2017. The organization sought a path to turn the roster around by acquiring draft picks to rebuild and increase chances to select a franchise quarterback, because the Panthers entered 2023 with only four draft selections. Christian McCaffrey was the most valuable tradable asset, while Brian Burns was viewed by some as too difficult to replace. The 49ers, Rams and Bills pursued McCaffrey; San Francisco offered second-, third- and fourth-round picks in 2023 plus a 2024 fifth, and owner David Tepper approved the deal.
Read at ESPN.com
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