The Kansas City Chiefs upcoming opponent, the San Francisco 49ers, traded for star running back Christian McCaffrey on Thursday.
The Carolina Panthers’ season was over after just a few weeks, back in Week 5 when they fired head coach Matt Rhule, and as the NFL’s trade deadline was approaching at midseason, they’ve decided to sell some of their best players for future assets.
On Thursday the Panthers traded their star running back Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers. Those are the same Niners who just so happen to be playing against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday in Week 7.
It’s a fascinating end to weeks of speculation and rumors about whether or not the Panthers would indeed trade McCaffrey. Some thought the Buffalo Bills might prove to be the best trade partner, while others even spread rumors that the Chiefs might be interested.
It would have been an interesting move for Brett Veach if he had decided to trade for another running back, but it just never seemed likely. It’s true that Clyde Edwards-Helaire hasn’t quite lived up to his first-round billing, but the Chiefs have a stable of running backs that is just fine.
Behind CEH they boast Jerrick McKinnon and the up-and-coming Isiah Pacheco. And somewhere in the recesses of the Chiefs squad they also have Ronald Jones, though he hasn’t been active for a single game yet.
I for one am glad that the Chiefs didn’t trade for McCaffrey (and I doubt they ever seriously considered it). Having a top-level running back might have improved this team, but not for the bevy of picks it would have cost, and it sounds like it cost the 49ers quite a bit.
While I wish McCaffrey the best of luck, here’s to hoping he doesn’t have any luck this week against the Chiefs (if he plays at all).