The Carolina Panthers have no intention of trading away Christian McCaffrey after another injury plagued season.

"There was a report back in November that we were actively trying to trade him, and I told him that was not true,'' general manager Scott Fitterer said Monday of his exit interview with McCaffrey following the Panthers' 5-12 season. "What I did tell him was, 'Hey, listen, I'll take any call. Call and make any offer you want.'

"'That doesn't mean we'll do it. That doesn't mean we're shopping you.' I look at Christian as a foundation piece on this team. We're a better team when he's on the field. He's one of the elite players in the NFL.''

The Panthers may use McCaffrey more as a slot receiver moving forward to keep him healthy. 

McCaffrey is the NFL's highest paid running back at $16 million per year.