Are the Panthers making the right call by extending Robby Anderson?

Robby Anderson is reportedly set to receive a multi-year extension from the Carolina Panthers, but is it the right call to make before the season?

It doesn’t appear as if the Carolina Panthers are going to hang around when it comes to resolving the long-term future of Robby Anderson. The wide receiver made a significant impression during his first season with the franchise and has reportedly already convinced those in power within the organization he’s worth keeping around for the foreseeable future.

According to Joe Person of The Athletic, the Panthers and Anderson are in the final stages of negotiations surrounding a multi-year extension. This gives the player financial security ahead of the new campaign and ensures Carolina possesses a dynamic tandem on the outside for new quarterback Sam Darnold to call upon over the next two years at least.

This is great news for the Panthers’ immediate chances.

Few expected Anderson to have the sort of impact he did after linking up with his former college coach Matt Rhule in Carolina, going over 1,000 yards receiving for the first time in his career, and removing the stigma he was nothing more than a deep threat in the process.

Anderson was clearly criminally underused on the New York Jets. But he is hardly alone in that regard during a moribund spell for the franchise under former head coach Adam Gase.

That being said, there is a question that needs debating where this particular piece of news is concerned.

Are the Panthers doing the right thing by extending Anderson?

Carolina Panthers have plenty of players to extend along with Robby Anderson.

Bear in mind, the team drafted Terrace Marshall Jr. in the second round of this year’s draft. The LSU product already looks like a potential star and if he reaches or even exceeds the level expected, then the money coming Anderson’s way might have been put to better use.

Don’t forget, the Panthers have to find the financial resources for players like Donte Jackson, Jermaine Carter, and Marquis Haynes next spring. Especially if they make the necessary improvements to further enhance the defense’s chances of making some noise in 2021.

D.J. Moore also needs a new deal sooner rather than later. Although the Panthers did pick up his fifth-year option and might wait until 2022 before sorting out their primary receiving weapon.

There is also Anderson’s form to consider. Reaching four figures in yards was pleasing and a real step in the right direction, but his last 100-yard game came in Week 5 at the Atlanta Falcons and attaining more than 50 yards just twice over the last six games.

Anderson also recorded just three touchdowns throughout the season.

Much will depend on the amount of money awarded to the wideout on his expected deal. But it shouldn’t be anything like top-tier compared to the truly elite talents across the league.

The player has a swagger and charisma that made him an instant hit both in the locker room and with Carolina’s loyal fanbase. He’s a straight-talker who isn’t afraid to say what’s on his mind, someone that people naturally gravitate towards as a result.

Make no mistake, Carolina is far better off having Anderson around. Continuity is key after so many changes over the last two years, which is the hallmark of any successful NFL team when it’s all said and done.

Anderson’s rise from an undrafted free agent to a prominent playmaker is an inspiring one. Something the Panthers are set to benefit from for years to come.