Rival NFL executives reportedly believe the Carolina Panthers won't find a trade partner for star running back Christian McCaffrey before the Nov. 1 deadline if they require an offer with multiple first-round draft picks.

Joseph Person of The Athletic reported Wednesday that "no one in league circles" thinks the Panthers can get that type of package for McCaffrey and will instead have to consider either a single first-rounder or a "passel of Day 2 and Day 3 picks."

The initial report about the Panthers seeking multiple firsts for CMC, which came from Fox Sports' Peter Schrager on Sunday, was taken a bit out of context. Schrager suggested Carolina wanted that level of return as part of a complete roster tear down, including the possible exit of several key defenders, not necessarily just for the Pro Bowl running back.

In today's NFL, getting one first-round pick for any running back, even one with the high-end playmaking ability of McCaffrey, represents strong value. The position simply doesn't carry as much weight in the passing-dominated league.

It's also important to consider the 26-year-old Stanford product was limited to 10 appearances over the past two seasons because of injuries, which creates some additional risk for interested teams.

That said, at the more modest price point—one first-rounder or a few later selections—McCaffrey deserves consideration from Super Bowl contenders.

The 2019 first-team All-Pro selection has played in all six of Carolina's games this season, averaging a healthy 4.6 yards on 85 carries. He's recorded 670 yards from scrimmage and three total touchdowns, and he's earned a strong 83.3 grade from Pro Football Focus.

Putting him in an high-powered offense like the ones run by the Buffalo Bills or Kansas City Chiefs would create seemingly endless potential. The Athletic report also listed the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers as possible landing spots.

For his part, McCaffrey said Sunday he's trying to steer clear of the rumor mill.

"All that stuff's out of my control," he told reporters. "My job is to be the best Carolina Panther I can be and do everything I can for my teammates."

The Panthers have two games left before the trade deadline: Sunday at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and an Oct. 30 road trip to face the Atlanta Falcons.

It's possible one of those contests will mark McCaffrey's final appearance for Carolina, which selected him in the first round of the 2017 draft.