Buffalo Bills: Buy or sell the latest trade rumors before free agency

Buffalo Bills Trade Target: Christian McCaffrey

The Buffalo Bills could upgrade at running back this offseason and when healthy Christian McCaffrey is one of the best at the position. According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, he wrote in regards to a possible McCaffrey trade:

"And rival GMs would not be surprised if they came away with Christian McCaffrey as well. They can almost taste that Lombardi-tinged champaign, they fully grasp the gauntlet they are up against in the AFC, and I wouldn’t discount their ability to make a splash or two."

The connection certainly makes sense as McCaffrey is a dynamic playmaker both as a runner and as a pass-catcher. It would give Josh Allen another weapon around him and make the Bills’ offense, which was one of the best last year, even better.

Where the trade starts to fall apart is around the contract and trade compensation. McCaffrey signed a four-year extension in 2020 worth $64 million and his cap hit this year is over $14 million. The Bills could certainly make this fit under the salary cap but would require additional moves to create cap space.

The other issue is what the Carolina Panthers may want in return. According to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, the Panters are asking for a first round pick and more. This is why I believe a trade doesn’t happen as that seems to be too much to trade for a running back who has struggled to stay healthy and has a sizable contract.

Verdict: Sell