49ers trade for Christian McCaffrey, giving Panthers ammo to pursue Sean Payton
So this move has some ripple effects for the New Orleans Saints. The San Francisco 49ers managed to wrest superstar running back Christian McCaffrey away from the Carolina Panthers late Thursday evening in exchange for multiple draft picks — so let’s explore what it means for New Orleans.
The most immediate impact will be felt in Week 12, when the Saints fly out west to play against McCaffrey and his new teammates in San Francisco. They’ve guarded him well in the past but he’s finally working with a proven offensive system and a strong supporting cast, and it’s going to be challenging for a Saints defense that has struggled to contain lesser talents.
But the most interesting ramification may not be felt until the offseason. Carolina expects to be an active suitor in pursuit of former Saints head coach Sean Payton, and this trade brings them enough draft capital to meet New Orleans’ high demands while promising Payton enough resources to build a competitive roster with.
Here are the future draft picks for the Panthers after the McCaffrey trade:
2023: first-rounder; two second-rounders (one via San Francisco 49ers); third-rounder (via 49ers); two fourth-rounders (one via 49ers); fifth-rounder
2024: first-rounder; second-rounder; third-rounder; two fifth-rounders (one via Tennessee Titans, one via 49ers); sixth-rounder (via Arizona Cardinals)
2025: first-rounder; second-rounder; third-rounder; fourth-rounder; fifth-rounder; sixth-rounder; seventh-rounder (via Cardinals)
It’s anyone’s guess what the Saints will get back if and when Payton eventually returns to coaching, but they could realistically expect a large package of picks back from Carolina — something like a second-round choice in 2023, a first- or second-rounder in 2024, and a late-round pick or two. Because the Panthers are division rivals with New Orleans, they’ll have to pay a higher price than other bidders for Payton’s services. That’s just reality.
What’s also realistic is acknowledging how unappealing the Panthers job may be for Payton. They’ve got a meddling, impatient owner who has already rubbed him the wrong way; when Matt Rhule was fired in Carolina earlier this month, Payton commented on a Fox Sports pregame show that he was surprised at how early in the season it happened. If David Tepper was so eager to send Rhule packing, why should Payton believe he’d be treated any differently?
So while I wouldn’t expect the Panthers to get seriously involved in the Payton sweepstakes, they’ll definitely be in the mix and at least drive the price up for other suitors. And the war chest they’ve assembled after shipping out McCaffrey and Robbie Anderson this week gives them plenty to work with. Maybe it ends up being enough for Payton and the Saints to overlook the downsides here and make a move.
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