5 Panthers players unlikely to return in 2023 through Week 4
By Dean Jones
Robbie Anderson – Carolina Panthers WR
After an offseason period full of speculation about his future, Robbie Anderson looked like a man on a mission in Week 1. The wide receiver went over 100 receiving yards and secured a touchdown to get his campaign off to the best possible start, which left many wondering whether he could return to the form we saw upon joining the Carolina Panthers in 2020.
Anderson hasn’t been the same since. The former Temple star has just 72 receiving yards over the last three games and cannot seem to get on the same page with quarterback Baker Mayfield to further increase concerns.
While Anderson isn’t alone in that regard within an offensive scheme devoid of creativity, it does hurt his chances of seeing out the final year of his contract in Carolina. After restructuring his deal during the offseason, the wideout is set to count a whopping $21.71 million against the cap in 2023, which isn’t justified based on recent performances.
The big question is whether Carolina can get something in return for Anderson via trade or be forced into releasing the player entirely. There were reportedly inquiries for his services before the season, and anything would be better than nothing with the Panthers boasting little in the way of draft capital.
Until McAdoo figures out a better way to get the most out of his primary playmakers, Anderson and others will suffer. By this point, he’ll be glad to get out of Carolina, one suspects.