5 Carolina Panthers under the microscope after Robbie Anderson trade

Rashard Higgins – Carolina Panthers WR

Now that Robbie Anderson is no longer around, it represents an opportunity for others within the wide receiver room to stand up and make their presence felt. One such individual is Rashard Higgins, who’s been seldom seen despite impressing in training camp and preseason games.

Higgins arrived in free agency and was immediately followed by former Cleveland Browns teammate Baker Mayfield. This previous chemistry brought an intriguing element to the Carolina Panthers, but things have been anything but encouraging for both parties through six weeks.

Mayfield is now on the shelf with an ankle injury after a dismal start to life in a different environment. As for Higgins, he’s been a relative afterthought in Ben McAdoo’s bland scheme with just nine snaps on offense to his name.

Carolina opting to trade Anderson represents a lifeline for Higgins. One expects Terrace Marshall Jr., Shi Smith, and Laviska Shenault Jr. to also increase their influence, but it’s a slight window for the former Colorado State standout to finally generate worthwhile targets.

Whether the coaching staff has a different view is up for debate. But of all the players mentioned, Higgins has production and experience that only Shenault matches.