Can Robby Anderson play a starring role for the Panthers in 2020?

Can Robby Anderson make an instant impression with the Carolina Panthers in 2020?

Wide receiver Robby Anderson was one of the biggest free-agent acquisitions for the Carolina Panthers. The fifth-year pro reunited with former college head coach Matt Rhule in Charlotte. And big things are expected in terms of production.

Putting Anderson alongside D.J. Moore is a mouth-watering proposition for new quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. Add No. 3 wideout Curtis Samuel and All-Pro Christian McCaffrey to the list and the Carolina Panthers could potentially have a dynamic offense on their hands.

Anderson had a decent 2019 working with a New York Jets’ offense that had significant limitations. Much more is predicted following his arrival in Carolina. But he will have plenty of pressure on his shoulders after signing a two-year, $20 million deal with an $8 million signing bonus and $12 million guaranteed.

FanSided staff writer John Buhler is also of the belief Anderson can make a significant impact during his first season with the Panthers. He listed the player as No. 4 in his top-five acquisitions that can play a starring role for their new teams in 2020.

Writing on Anderson’s potential impact, Buhler had this to say.

"“Robby Anderson is one of the best wide receivers in football you could have sworn went over 1,000 yards at some point in his career. Entering year five in the league out of Temple, he is still waiting to break quad figures as a professional. Though a promising talent with the New York Jets, he will become a star in his new home of Charlotte, playing for the Carolina Panthers.“Not only does Anderson go to an offense with plenty of balls to be thrown to him from accurate free-agent quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, but he gets to play for his college coach Matt Rhule in Carolina. Rhule is bringing the Temple Tough mentality to the Queen City, and there is no better initiator of the culture change necessary to turn the Panthers around than one of Rhule’s own. Though Anderson may not become the Panthers’ No. 1 receiver, he will undoubtedly break 1,000 receiving yards for the first time in Brady’s Carolina offense.”"

The point Buhler makes about putting Anderson in Joe Brady’s high-octane offense is a good one. The former LSU mastermind is known for getting the ball down the field quickly. And the wide receiver’s deep threat has been very productive during his time in the NFL.

It is clear the Panthers need more balance from their offense in 2020. Their lack of consistency from the quarterback spot forced their hand last season. This resulted in Christian McCaffrey getting more than 400 touches and this is something that cannot continue if they want to maximize the All-Pro’s long-term prospects.

Can Robby Anderson make an instant impression with the Carolina Panthers?

Although Anderson has yet to reach the 1,000-year milestone. There is nothing to suggest he is not more than capable of achieving the feat during his time with the Carolina Panthers.

The presence of Moore on the other side will see more one-on-one looks for the player, which he has seldom had during his career. And opposing defenses also stack the box with McCaffrey in the backfield, which is going to be another plus.

Much will depend on how much time Bridgewater gets to go through his progressions behind a patchwork offensive line. But if he can get sufficient space in the pocket it should result in some notable opportunities for Anderson and others.

The Panthers did not have much money to throw around in free agency. So they will be expecting a return from their investment early and often regarding Anderson. The player also has the experience of being on a struggling franchise before. And this is going to stand him in good stead during a period of transition.