Who will replace Christian McCaffrey at Carolina?

Christian McCaffrey has left the Carolina Panthers to join the Philadelphia Eagles for a couple of picks. So finally, the worst-kept secret in the NFL is out, and we can go on to other subplots in what has become a greatly interesting season.

Christian McCaffrey was the superstar running back for the Panthers, one of only three players to have 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in the same season, and the figurehead of their rebuild. However, following a pathetic start to the season, head coach Matt Rhule was fired from his job and the Panthers decided to blow it up again. A necessary casualty of that decision is the best-paid running back in the NFL, and with that, a void has been opened in the Panthers' backfield.

The void left by the loss of Christian McCaffrey must be filled. Here we showcase three unique options to claim the running back one slot and potentially save the team's blushes.

#1 - The in-house option, Chuba Hubbard

Now that Christian McCaffrey, the best-paid running back in history, is off the roster, a host of names in the Panthers' running back room would feel a shot at greatness.

League-known names include D'Onta Foreman, Raheem Blackshear, and practice squad option Spencer Brown. All three are decent options with stellar college resumes and decent backup experience. However, the name we expect on the first post-McCaffrey team list at running back is Chuba Hubbard.

Hubbard, the 2021 backup to the now-departed Christian McCaffrey, is a decent back with excellent hands and explosive speed. Out of all the running backs in Carolina, he had the most productive season last year, racking up 612 yards and five touchdowns on 172 carries. He did all this while backing up one of the league's biggest stars at his position. So maybe, just maybe, this is Hubbard's time to take over.

#2 - The free agent option, Jordan Wilkins

When in doubt, check out the free agency pool; there's bound to be a gem or two in that pond. Hence, if the Panthers choose to eschew the current options under contract, they could check out the free agents in the market, with Jordan Wilkins being a favorite pick.

Wilkins is by far the most experienced running back available on the market, and he should do well in receiving handoffs from Baker Mayfield. Wilkins played the first 49 games of his NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts and later appeared in one game with the Tennessee Titans last season. At 28, he should be entering the peak of his career and shouldn't be a bad rental for the rest of the 2023 NFL season.

#3 - The trade option, D'Ernest Johnson

Now that the Carolina Panthers have got an array of picks, thanks to the shrewd handling of the Christian McCaffrey situation, they can use one of the picks to get a replacement.

The Carolina Panthers could use a second or third-round pick to snag up D'Ernest Johnson from the Cleveland Browns. It's not Johnson's fault that he is behind Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt on the depth chart. Hence, a move from Cleveland to Carolina would benefit both parties significantly. The Panthers will get an upgrade from the current backfield options they have on their roster.

Moreover, if it doesn't work, then his one-year, $1.2 million option is super team friendly. The Cleveland Browns, on the other hand, would get a much-needed draft pick, as well as less competition in a previously over-competitive backfield.

The Carolina Panthers' season so far

The Carolina Panthers are having a terrible 2022 NFL season, and it would not be out of place to state that the team is going through it.

The Panthers started the season with a 1-4 record, culminating in the firing of head coach Matt Rhule. The Panthers have recorded losses against the Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, Arizona Cardinals, Philadelphia Eagles, and Los Angeles Rams.

Their only win this year was against the New Orleans Saints, where the newly departed Christian McCaffrey balled out with 108 yards rushing.

The Panthers will be hosting the Tom Brady-led Tampa Bay Buccaneers next.