CHARLOTTE, NC (AP) – The Carolina Panthers are considering a trade for All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey in 2019 if they get something significant in return, according to a person familiar with the situation.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity because a trade is not imminent.
It’s unclear how many other NFL teams have inquired about McCaffrey, who has been productive this season after missing 23 games over the previous two seasons with various injuries.
The Panthers are 1-5 this season and have struggled to find stability at quarterback.
Earlier this week, the Panthers traded Robbie Anderson to the Arizona Cardinals for two late-round draft picks after he was involved in a sideline altercation with an assistant coach and was sent to the locker room.
The Panthers aren’t expected to have a sellout, even though they’ve lost 12 of their last 13 games.
McCaffrey is one of the few bright spots in the league’s 32nd-ranked offense.
He has 670 yards from scrimmage, which is fourth in the NFL behind only Saquon Barkley, Tyreek Hill and Nick Chubb. McCaffrey and Chubb are the only players in the league with five games with at least 100 yards from scrimmage.
McCaffrey said Wednesday he’s trying to stay focused on Sunday’s game, even as rumors swirl about the 2017 first-round pick.
“It’s out of my control,” McCaffrey said. “I try to control everything I can control. I’m a Carolina Panther right now and I’m giving it all to this place.”
Asked if he would like to be kept in the loop about trade talks, McCaffrey said, “If they keep me in the loop, great. If not, never mind. For me, I’m focused on playing the Bucs this weekend and doing everything I can to prepare for them.”
McCaffrey did not practice on Wednesday because that is his usual rest day.
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