6 major gambles the Carolina Panthers are clearly going to make in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers are gambling on Robby Anderson turning things around
There was plenty of speculation surrounding a trade for Robby Anderson to depart the Carolina Panthers this offseason. The New England Patriots reportedly discussed the possibility at the NFL Scouting Combine without anything concrete coming from it, but a recent contract restructure indicates that the wide receiver will be around once again in 2022.
Anderson regressed significantly last season after getting a lucrative two-year contract extension. This had a lot to do with a distinct lack of chemistry with Sam Darnold despite the two playing together previously on the New York Jets, but the former Temple star was also responsible for some individual errors that cost his team on multiple occasions.
It was incredibly frustrating for Anderson and the fans watching. There was nothing wrong with his route-running, but it just didn’t come together and the Panthers were probably right to explore a way out given his contribution last time around.
With the prospect of yet another starting quarterback coming into the fold, they will need all the help possible from the skill positions. Carolina has done a nice job of strengthening their offensive line in free agency, so if Anderson and others can also raise production levels, things could finally be looking up.
If Anderson continues on a downward curve, then this will likely be his final season with the franchise. But one suspects he has all the motivation needed for a bounce-back campaign.