4 pros and cons to the Panthers trading Robby Anderson in 2022

Carolina Panthers are short of reliable pass-catchers

Trading Robby Anderson might make sense to a certain degree. But it’s also worth remembering that the Carolina Panthers are not exactly blessed with reliable weapons in the passing game.

This obviously changes if Christian McCaffrey can remain healthy for a prolonged period. However, this is a task the All-Pro has found difficult over the last two seasons, and only D.J. Moore emerged from the previous campaign with any sort of credit despite another inconsistent year from those manning the plate under center.

Anderson’s drop-off was deeply concerning. Terrace Marshall Jr. made almost no impression after the Panthers took the LSU product in the second round and sixth-rounder Shi Smith was also a non-factor as the team brought him along gradually.

Hopefully, the Panthers can work out an extension with Brandon Zylstra after an encouraging season in a rotational role. But removing Anderson from the equation takes away one of the better options in the passing game that would need to be replaced in free agency or the draft.

This is a big call for the Panthers to make. There is every chance Anderson can become a force once again next season providing things improve at quarterback, so his status could depend on what the organization ends up going with at the most important position on the field.