McCaffrey Signs Four-Year Extension

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Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey has reportedly signed a four-year, $64 million contract extension with the team, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The deal will average around $16 million per year, making him the highest paid running back in league history.

“I’m so excited to continue my career in Carolina. I want to thank Mr. (David) Tepper, Marty Hurney, and Coach (Matt) Rhule for the opportunity to help lead this great franchise, and to all my teammates for their help along the way. And to Panthers fans, KEEP POUNDING!,” McCaffrey told Schefter.

Rumors were circulating that the Panthers could trade McCaffrey, 23, due to the team being in a re-build mode, but those can now be put to rest.

"I think Christian McCaffrey is the centerpiece of the whole team," Rhule said last week in a Zoom press conference. "He is one of those guys that can do anything. He builds the culture that you want to have in the building. We want to be a serious football place that's all about the game and I think that's what Christian is."

McCaffrey, the 2017 eighth overall pick, became just the third running back in league history last season to have 1,000 receiving and rushing yards in a single season.

McCaffrey has 2,920 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns, along with 15 receiving touchdowns and 303 receptions in three seasons for Carolina. 

In an offseason full of roster changes that included the retirement of Luke Kuechly and release of Cam Newton and Greg Olsen, McCaffrey is now solidified as the franchise player moving forward.

McCaffrey is coming off a first-team All-Pro season and was named to his first Pro Bowl.

With one year remaining on his rookie deal, McCaffrey will be locked up by the Panthers until 2025.