Christian McCaffrey
FILE - In this Oct. 10, 2020, file photo, South Carolina defensive back Jaycee Horn plays against Vanderbilt in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Nashville, Tenn. The Arizona Cardinals pick at No. 16 in the upcoming NFL draft and seem likely to target a defensive player, particularly a cornerback. There could be several opportunities to add one depending on how the picks shake out: Alabama's Patrick Surtain II, South Carolina's Horn and Virginia Tech's Caleb Farley. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)
NFL draft reinforces Panthers commitment to QB Sam Darnold

By Steve Reed May. 01, 2021 07:42 PM EDT

Panthers could go a number of directions with No. 8 pick

The Associated Press Apr. 22, 2021 12:43 PM EDT
CAROLINA PANTHERS (5-11) LAST SEASON: The Panthers struggled to win close games in Matt Rhule's first year as coach, which prompted the...

FILE - In this Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, file photo New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold warms up before the NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass. The New York Jets traded Darnold Monday, April 5, 2021, to the Carolina Panthers, ending a stint that was marked by a few flashes of brilliance, inconsistent play, and unfortunate injuries. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)
QB Sam Darnold excited to be where he's 'wanted' in Carolina

By Steve Reed Apr. 12, 2021 04:03 PM EDT

FILE - In this Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020 file photo, Atlanta Falcons center Alex Mack (51) works during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in Atlanta. Former Pro Bowl center Alex Mack is reuniting with coach Kyle Shanahan after signing a one-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers announced the three-year deal with Mack on Thursday, March 18, 2021 one day after agreeing to give left tackle Trent Williams a $138.1 million, six-year deal to remain in San Francisco.(AP Photo/Danny Karnik, File)
Falcons hope low-cost free agent class will make big splash

By Paul Newberry Mar. 25, 2021 01:46 PM EDT

FILE - Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady leaves the field an NFL divisional round playoff football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, in this Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, file photo. om Brady has agreed to a contract extension with the Buccaneers that provides the Super Bowl champions with much-needed salary cap relief and will help the seven-time NFL champion reach a goal of playing until he’s at least 45. Brady posted a picture of himself on Twitter, signing the extension Friday, March 12, 2021, with the message: “In pursuit of 8 ... LFG@ Buccaneers we’re keeping the band together.” (AP Photo/Brett Duke, File)
Nobody comes for free in NFL free agency that begins Monday

By Barry Wilner Mar. 13, 2021 01:20 PM EST

FILE - In this Nov. 8, 2020, file photo, Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey (22) carries the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo. The Panthers have restructured the contracts of running back Christian McCaffrey and linebacker Shaq Thompson, freeing up more than $11 million in salary-cap space before the start of free agency. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)
Panthers rework McCaffrey, Thompson; free up $11M under cap

Mar. 10, 2021 03:33 PM EST

FILE - Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule, left, and offensive coordinator Joe Brady watch from the sideline during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Charlotte, N.C., in this, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020, file photo. Panthers offensive coordinator Joe Brady is becoming a popular name for NFL teams seeking to fill head coaching vacancies. A person familiar with the situation says the Chargers, Falcons and Texans have all asked for and received permission from the Panthers to interview Brady for their head coaching jobs. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt, File)
Jets interview Panthers OC Joe Brady for head coaching job

By Dennis Waszak Jr. Jan. 09, 2021 01:45 PM EST

FILE - Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule, left, and offensive coordinator Joe Brady watch from the sideline during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Charlotte, N.C., in this, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020, file photo. Panthers offensive coordinator Joe Brady is becoming a popular name for NFL teams seeking to fill head coaching vacancies. A person familiar with the situation says the Chargers, Falcons and Texans have all asked for and received permission from the Panthers to interview Brady for their head coaching jobs. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt, File)
AP source: 3 NFL teams granted permission to talk to Brady

By Steve Reed Jan. 05, 2021 12:10 PM EST

Carolina Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) moves around the reach of Washington Football Team defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Panthers next GM will have decision to make at quarterback

By Steve Reed Jan. 04, 2021 02:09 PM EST

Carolina Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is tackled by New Orleans Saints cornerback P.J. Williams during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
Saints rout Panthers 33-7 to earn No. 2 seed in NFC playoffs

By Steve Reed Jan. 03, 2021 07:34 PM EST

Patrick Mahomes watching Chiefs' finale against Chargers

By The Associated Press Jan. 03, 2021 12:23 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is inactive for their meaningless regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Chargers, which means he will...

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)
A season often in doubt to end on time, no cancellations

By Barry Wilner Jan. 01, 2021 02:58 PM EST

FILE - In this Sept. 20, 2020, file photo, New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley is helped off the field after being injured during the first half of the team's NFL football game against the Chicago Bears in Chicago. Barkley's season lasted just six quarters as he tore the ACL in his right knee against Chicago and had the meniscus repaired, too. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski, File)
Sidelined stars fill out roster for NFL's All-Absent Team

By Dennis Waszak Jr. Dec. 30, 2020 02:36 AM EST

Carolina Panthers' Curtis Samuel can't catch a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won 24-16. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Panthers face growing dilemma on whether to keep WR Samuel

By Steve Reed Dec. 28, 2020 02:15 PM EST

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Curtis Samuel (10) is stopped by Washington Football Team defensive tackle Tim Settle (97) and Washington Football Team defensive back Jeremy Reaves (39) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Samuel does best McCaffrey impression in Panthers' win

By Stephen Whyno Dec. 27, 2020 08:57 PM EST

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Brandon Zylstra (16) is surround by teammates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Washington beaten by Panthers, fails to clinch NFC East

By Stephen Whyno Dec. 27, 2020 07:11 PM EST

Carolina Panthers quarterback P.J. Walker (6) warms up before the start of an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Mark Tenally)
Carolina Panthers at Washington Football Team 12/27/2020

Dec. 27, 2020 02:40 PM EST

FILE - In this Nov. 1, 2020, file photo, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jarvis Landry plays against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half of an NFL football game, in Cleveland. The Browns will try to earn a playoff spot without four wide receivers, including star Landry, their starting middle linebacker and his replacement due to COVID-19 protocols. But despite the six players being out, an NFL spokesman said Cleveland's game at the New York Jets will be played as scheduled on Sunday, Dec. 27. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane, File)
Dwayne Haskins starts for Washington despite breaking rules

By The Associated Press Dec. 27, 2020 12:04 PM EST

FILE - In this Dec. 20, 2020, file photo, Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins (7) and the offense runs a play during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in Landover, Md. Virginians have long been sidelined when it comes to gambling, but it is a safe proposition that sometime before the upcoming Super Bowl they will be able to wager from the comfort of their couches as Virginia joins a growing list of states that allow sports wagering. (AP Photo/Mark Tenally, File)
Rivera, Washington could clinch NFC East by beating Carolina

By Stephen Whyno Dec. 24, 2020 02:19 PM EST

Rivera facing Carolina for first time as Washington coach

By The Associated Press Dec. 24, 2020 10:10 AM EST
CAROLINA (4-10) at WASHINGTON (6-8) Saturday, 4:05 p.m. EST, CBS OPENING LINE — Washington by 3 ...