Panthers: C. J. Anderson deal expected but surprising
By Sam Corkey
C.J. Anderson is set to receive a chance with the Carolina Panthers after his release from the Denver Broncos following a solid season…
C. J. Anderson has signed a one-year prove-it style deal with the Carolina Panthers. After coming out of the draft without another running back, a pickup was expected. What makes this move surprising is who Carolina picked up: C. J. Anderson, former Denver Broncos running back and one-time Pro Bowler.
With no running back signed yet, most assumed the Panthers were waiting until tomorrow, May 8th, when any player could be signed without sacrificing compensatory picks. Alfred Morris and Orleans Darkwa were likely targets.
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Instead, the Panthers went for Anderson, who was able to be signed without giving up picks because he was released by Denver this offseason in order to ditch his large cap hit. Apparently, the Panthers have been in talks with Anderson since his release, but have finally just now put pen to paper.
GM Marty Hurney said the Panthers have been talking to C.J. Anderson since he was released back in mid April. "We think it's a good fit for both sides," Hurney said. "He adds a lot."
— Max Henson (@maxhenson) May 7, 2018
Last season, Anderson toted the rock 245 times for 1,007 yards and three touchdowns. He added 28 receptions for 224 yards and a touchdown as well. Anderson has averaged 4.4 yards per carry over his career, and can obviously run hard as well as receive the ball, which is an important distinction between him and the recently released Jonathan Stewart.
Anderson will likely fill the void at power back, which was expected to be filled by Cameron Artis-Payne if no other back was snagged. This signing obviously puts both Artis-Payne and Fozzy Whitaker at risk of being cut. Whitaker is probably the favorite to make it in over Artis-Payne due to his ability to return kicks.
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Once the contract numbers come out, the signing can be judged for its quality, but it looks like a solid match on the surface.
Now on to the next Anderson?