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5 teams that could trade for Christian McCaffrey in 2022

By Jacob Ellerbee

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 28: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers looks on during pregame warm-ups before the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on November 28, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 28: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers looks on during pregame warm-ups before the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on November 28, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images) /
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Christian McCaffrey, NFL trade rumors
Nov 21, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey (22) with the ball as Washington Football Team outside linebacker Cole Holcomb (55) defends in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. (Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports) /

Christian McCaffrey trade destination no 2. New York Jets

The New York Jets have two top-10 picks in the 2022 NFL Draft. Would they be willing to part with one of them to get a known commodity in Christian McCaffrey to pair with QB Zach Wilson?

Having another star in the backfield would likely take some of the pressure off Wilson. Last season as a rookie, Wilson was sacked 44 times, threw 11 interceptions, but completed nearly 70% of his pass attempts.

Those numbers will get better with an improved offensive line, experience, and additional offensive weapons for the 22-year-old.

The Jets have a lot of needs, so giving up a 2022 first-round pick for a player with some injury risk might be more risk than New York is willing to take as the Jets try to accelerate their rebuild. If the Panthers would accept a first-rounder for 2023, it’s a gamble worth taking.

No 1. New England Patriots

Head Coach Bill Belichick does a better job than anyone in the NFL of squeezing as much talent out of his roster as humanly possible.

It’s a big reason why rookie QB Mac Jones and the Patriots outperformed their expectations in the 2021 season.

The Patriots have a lot of options with the No. 21 overall pick in this year’s draft. They could bolster their defense, give Jones another weapon on offense or trade the pick.

Trading for a known commodity like Christian McCaffrey seems like a no-brainer for the No. 21 pick and a player like TE Jonnu Smith. CMC could be Mac Jones’ Wes Welker, Julian Edelman and Sony Michel all rolled into one.

A Jones-McCaffrey backfield will give the Patriots that dynamic piece they need to compete with the Buffalo Bills for the AFC East crown.

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