Getty Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers warms-up.
Trade speculation is one thing that drives the news during the NFL offseason and in a recent NFL.com article, the Buffalo Bills were connected to Carolina Panthers All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey.
Earlier this week, NFL.com writer Adam Rank put together a list of five NFL stars who he believes should be traded this offseason. McCaffrey was included in the list, which also featured Atlanta Falcons receiver Julio Jones, New Orleans Saints receiver Michael Thomas, New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore and Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Orlando Brown.
Rank mentioned that the former Stanford Cardinal was one of his “untradeable” players last year. After only playing in three games this past year due to ankle, shoulder and quad injuries, McCaffrey’s trade value is arguably at the lowest point of his stellar career and he’s still only 24 years old. But, Rank believes the Panthers should move on from the star running back due to the state of the franchise.
“The Panthers aren’t close to the Super Bowl and if they draft a quarterback to essentially turn the page on Teddy Bridgewater (seems quite feasible), the Panthers take a further step back from the Super Bowl, especially in the short-term,” Rank explained on February 22. “Why not restock the roster.”
Brandon Beane Not Anticipating Any Big Trades This Offseason
Rank first connects McCaffrey to the Seattle Seahawks in a possible trade for superstar quarterback Russell Wilson, but then reconsiders after mentioning how the Seahawks traded their next two first-round picks to the New York Jets for safety Jamal Adams. So, why not Buffalo?
“That’d not only give the Bills a much-needed rushing attack but another stellar pass catcher for Josh Allen,” Rank wrote. “In fact, let’s do that instead. Probably gonna need to happen after June 1, to alleviate some dead-cap pain.”
During his end-of-season press conference, Bills general manager Brandon Beane noted that due to the salary cap situation, there probably wouldn’t be any big trades made this offseason. So, there may not be much behind this scenario other than pure speculation.
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Buffalo’s Running Game Is an Area of Focus This Offseason
Even though there may not be much substance behind a potential McCaffrey trade between the Panthers and Bills, Buffalo’s running game is definitely an area that they are looking to improve this offseason. However, that doesn’t mean the front office will be looking for a new running back, per se.
Beane has touched on in the past that it takes offensive linemen, wide receivers, tight ends and running backs in order to have a successful rushing attack. Linemen need to open holes, tight ends and wide receivers need to hold blocks and running backs need to hit their holes. As such, the Bills are looking to improve each level.
Zack Moss & Devin Singletary Have Been Solid for Buffalo
Selected in the third round by the Bills in the last two drafts, Zack Moss and Devin Singletary have made solid contributions to date, even in a pass-heavy offense. The young running backs combined for 1,168 yards and six touchdowns last season despite quarterback Josh Allen attempting more than twice as many passes (572) as their combined rushing attempts (268).
Their performance against the Patriots in Week 8 may have been the duo’s best though, as both Singletary and Moss rushed for over 80 yards, with the latter finding the end zone twice. With a run-heavy game plan, they rushed for a season-high 190 yards against New England — a performance the Bills are hoping to replicate more in 2021.
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Bills Connected to All-Pro RB in Wild Trade Scenario