3 benefits to the Panthers extending Robby Anderson in 2021
By Dean Jones
What are the benefits to the Carolina Panthers extending talented wide receiver Robby Anderson before competitive action begins in 2021?
Robby Anderson was the most notable absentee from voluntary OTAs where the Carolina Panthers were concerned. The wide receiver is heading into the final year of his deal and put up some eye-catching numbers in his first season with the franchise, meaning there might be a potential predicament in the offing sooner rather than later regarding his future.
Charlie Campbell of WalterFootball.com stated that the Panthers were shopping Anderson during the 2021 NFL Draft, which makes more sense than people think when one considers they might lose him for nothing when free agency hits next year.
There is no disputing that this is a precarious situation and how Carolina handles it will be crucial.
Anderson has become a much-loved member of the locker room and his previous relationship with new quarterback Sam Darnold from their time together with the New York Jets is something else that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Head coach Matt Rhule is expecting Anderson to show up for the mandatory part of the offseason and teammate D.J. Moore knows he is working hard away from the team.
That being said, the Panthers drafting both Terrace Marshall Jr. and Shi Smith during the 2021 NFL Draft raises its own set of questions and it is a situation worth monitoring, at the very least.
With this in mind, here are three potential benefits that the Panthers would accumulate if they extended Anderson this offseason.