Thu, Oct 20, 2022 at 11:35pm

McCAFFREY MOVES TO THE NINERS!

The San Francisco 49ers acquired running back Christian McCaffrey from the Carolina Panthers for a second-round draft pick in 2023, a third-round draft pick in 2023, a fourth-round draft pick in 2023 and a fifth-round draft pick in 2024.

What does it give the San Francisco 49ers
Wow! The 49ers decided to outbid the divisional-rival Rams, who were also reportedly interested in McCaffrey, but did they pay too much here? McCaffrey is arguably the most dynamic running back in the NFL, but his availability has always been an issue throughout his career due to a myriad of injury woes. San Francisco is banking on McCaffrey staying healthy and making a massive impact on the offense.

What does it give the Carolina Panthers
This was always going to be the outcome for McCaffrey and the Panthers after the team's poor start to 2022 (which cost head coach Matt Rhule his job). If Carolina is going to start over, this trade is an excellent way to begin the process. Landing four draft picks in exchange for a great (albeit extremely injury-prone) running back is a real coup for Panthers GM Scott Fitterer. Could there be more moves to come?

Fantasy impact
Obviously, McCaffrey is heading to a much better situation with the 49ers. That said, his fantasy value has never been a question, no matter where he plays or with whom. He must stay healthy for both fantasy leaguers and the Niners to get full value from McCaffrey. The biggest loser after this trade is Jeff Wilson Jr., who could see a lot less playing time behind McCaffrey. The obvious winner will be whomever wins the running back battle in Carolina to supplant McCaffrey (D'Onta Foreman or Chuba Hubbard).