Christian McCaffrey was 'preparing' to join Tom Brady at Buccaneers before 49ers trade

One of the most surprising trades before NFL trade deadline last season was the Carolina Panthers shipping running back Christian McCaffrey to the San Franciso 49ers.

He was traded to the 49ers in exchange for a second, third, and fourth-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft and a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft.

The trade wasn't the most shocking as the Panthers were starting their rebuild. They also traded WR Robbie Anderson and fired head coach Matt Rhule.

Prior to being traded to the 49ers, McCaffrey thought he was going to be traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, to join Tom Brady.

The 26-year-old opened up on Bussin with the Boys recently and explained his thoughts during the process.

"We played LA, well played the Rams. It was the first game of coach Wilkes and we lost. I had a pretty good game though. And I just remember my agent saying it could happen this week but I don't think so.

"And so early in the week, it was, you know, I don't think this is happening and the week kept going and going and there was more of a chance I was just like, look if it's gonna happen, make it happen. I was preparing for Tampa."

McCaffrey added that he got on the flight right away, didn't say goodbye to anyone, and prepared for the 9ers-Chiefs game that Sunday.

"11:30 PM, I get a call trading me to the Niners, yada yada, 7 AM flight. Didn't say bye to one person. Practice with the Niners Friday, try to scramble together, you know, a few plays and a little package to go play the Chiefs on Sunday for the Niners and then from there, you just roll."

Christian McCaffrey is still one of the best RBs in the NFL and had one of the best seasons last year on two teams

Christian McCaffrey

Even while being traded to a new team mid-season, Christian McCaffrey had one of the best running back seasons last year and is still one of the best backs in the game. He was named a Pro Bowler, as well as a candidate for the Comeback Player of the Year award.

He finished the 2022-23 season with 1,139 rushing yards, eight touchdowns, 85 receptions, 741 yards, and five touchdowns.

He scored the lone touchdown in the 49ers blowout loss to the Eagles in the NFC Championship game.

Next season, the 9ers will get Christian McCaffrey for a whole year and will look to be an even better offense.

If you use any of the above quotes, please credit Bussin with the Boys, and H/T Sportskeeda