Christian McCaffrey Signs Four-Year, $64 Million Extension With Panthers

Star running back Christian McCaffrey has signed a four-year extension with the Carolina Panthers.

Star running back Christian McCaffrey is staying with the Panthers long term.

McCaffrey confirmed to ESPN's Adam Schefter that he signed an extension with the Panthers. Schefter reports McCaffrey received a four-year deal worth $64 million, making him the highest-paid RB in NFL history. Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott previously held that spot while making $15 million per season. The Jets' Le'Veon Bell is close behind at $14.1 million per year.

"I'm so excited to continue my career in Carolina," McCaffrey said. "I want to thank [owner David] Tepper, [general manager] Marty Hurney, and Coach [Matt] Rhule for the opportunity to help lead this great franchise, and to all my teammates for their help along the way. And to Panthers fans, KEEP POUNDING!"

McCaffrey has become a key member of the Panthers' offense in his three seasons with the team. The 23-year-old tallied 2,392 total yards with 19 touchdowns in 16 games last season. The Panthers drafted McCaffrey, who was in the fourth year of his rookie deal, with the No. 8 pick in 2017.

Two weeks ago Hurney admitted that the team had discussed signing McCaffrey to an extension. When asked about it in a recent conference call with reporters, Rhule declined to discuss contract details but praised McCaffrey for his talents.

"I think Christian McCaffrey is a centerpiece player that you can build around," Rhule said. "And I think he really builds to the culture that you want to have within the building."

The Panthers went 5–11 during a rocky 2019 season that included quarterback Cam Newton missing most of the campaign with a foot injury. Carolina fired coach Ron Rivera late in the season and hired Rhule this January.