NFL Rumors: Christian McCaffrey, Sean Payton, Odell Beckham Jr

Welcome to the latest edition of NFL rumors on Full Press Coverage.

We are five weeks through the NFL season and we have just one undefeated team left, no teams without a win, and one team who has moved on from their head coach.

After a 1-4 start, the Carolina Panthers relieved head coach Matt Rhule of his duties on Monday. Rhule went just 11-27 during his three seasons with the Panthers who now look like they could be headed for a fire sale with little to no positives for the immediate future. Could that “fire sale” include unloading their best offensive player?

We take a look at that and more in this edition of NFL rumors.

Carolina Panthers – RB Christian McCaffrey

Rumor: According to Jay Glazer of Fox Sports, teams will be calling the Panthers regarding RB Christian McCaffrey and, per Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post, the Panthers would be willing to “eat salary” to complete a trade.

It’s hard to find any redeeming quality for this Panthers team. In addition to letting Rhule go, they will be without quarterback Baker Mayfield for the foreseeable future. Not that there is anything wrong with it. Unfortunately for the Panthers, their options are a rehabbing Sam Darnold and P.J. Walker. So, if there were to be anything gained from what is very likely a lost season, it could be from acquiring assets for uber-talented, but often-injured, McCaffrey. If the Panthers do decide to move McCaffrey, regardless of his injury history, a team will likely pay a ransom for the very unique talent.

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Head Coach Sean Payton – Panthers Top Choice?

Rumor: Former Saints head coach Sean Payton will likely be the “top candidate” for the Panthers in their search, according to Ian Rapoport.

The advantage of moving on from Matt Rhule this early in the season is that the Panthers will have a head start in their new search for a coach and, not surprisingly, former Saints head coach and Super Bowl winner, Sean Payton seems to be at the top of their list. The problem for the Panthers is that he is likely on the top of many team’s list, many of which currently have a head coach. Looking at you, Los Angeles Chargers. Could the Panthers lure him back to the NFC South? Hard to say considering the Panthers don’t have much to offer that would make it look like a good destination.

WR Odell Beckham Jr. – Targetting Mid-November Return?

Rumor: According to Ian Rapoport, free agent wide receiver, Odell Beckham Jr. is targeting a mid-November return from ACL surgery and a multi-year contract.

Just about every contender, including the Bucs, Bills, Chiefs, Packers, and Rams, have been connected to Beckham as he works his way back from an ACL tear he suffered in the Rams’ Super Bowl win over the Bengals in February. Considering his return is slated for after the trade deadline, the actions of all of these teams will likely dictate the final market for Beckham and although a multi-year deal may not be ideal, it could pay huge dividends, especially for a team like the Packers who are in sore need of more talented at the wide receiver position.