The Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers made a blockbuster trade in October of 2020, sending All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey to the Bay Area. Now, Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer has opened up about the trade talks between the two teams, revealing a crucial detail he left out when informing McCaffrey of the move.
Fitterer spoke to NBC Sports Bay Area at this week’s NFL Scouting Combine, and recounted the moment he called McCaffrey to tell him he was being traded. “When I called him to tell him he was being traded, he said, ‘Great,’” Fitterer said. “He was about to get off the phone when he said, ‘Oh, where am I going?’ I said, ‘It’s San Francisco.’”
Fitterer noted that McCaffrey’s agent had not delivered the details of the trade, and McCaffrey was surprised to find himself in the Bay. In exchange for McCaffrey, the Panthers received four draft picks — one in each of the second, third, fourth, and fifth rounds of the 2023 and 2024 NFL Drafts.
The trade ended up being a win-win for both teams, as the Panthers were able to replenish their draft picks while the 49ers got the talented running back they needed to help their offense. McCaffrey shined in his first season in San Francisco, totaling 1,509 yards from scrimmage and 14 total touchdowns.
Fitterer was pleased with the move, and was rooting for McCaffrey to succeed in his new home. “He is one of the guys you root for because he does everything the right way,” Fitterer said. “We benefited, they benefited, and I think Christian is in a spot that he is really happy.”
McCaffrey’s trade to San Francisco was a surprise to many, but it looks like it was ultimately the best move for both teams. The Panthers got the draft picks they needed, while the 49ers got a key piece to their offense. Now, McCaffrey is entering his second season with the 49ers, and is poised to have another successful year in the Bay Area.
