Teddy Bridgewater’s receiving core improves with addition of Robby Anderson
Newly signed Panther’s quarterback Teddy Bridgewater just saw his receiving unit get even stronger with the addition of a top wideout.
There has been much consternation around the Carolina Panthers signing quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to a three-year deal while sending the best player in franchise history packing.
However, the Panthers’ lineup just got even stronger on Tuesday.
On the same day that Carolina officially parted ways with Cam Newton, they signed the biggest wide receiver name left in free agency: Former Jets receiver Robby Anderson.
Former Jets’ WR Robby Anderson is signing a two-year, $20 million deal including $12 million in year one with the Carolina Panthers, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 24, 2020
The move gives Newton backers a bit more ammunition, given the fact that the Panthers never signed a free agent to a deal this lucrative during Newton’s nine years with the franchise. They had previously never signed anyone to more than $3.3 million a year.
Still, this signing solidifies Carolina’s faith in Bridgewater running their system under new head coach Matt Rhule.
It’s no coincidence that in the last two days Carolina has signed former Rhule standouts from Temple in P.J. Walker and now Anderson. However, the latter will be a big-time playmaker right away in this system.
Anderson has experience playing for Rhule, but more importantly, he wanted to go somewhere with Bridgewater, who had an excellent connection with him previously with the New York Jets.
"“Teddy Bridgewater, too…” Anderson said recently on Golic and Golic in regards to a good landing spot for him in free agency. “I think that he is the most slept on free agent. Me and him already have chemistry, so trying to see where he’s going, that’s a big factor.”"
Now, Anderson will have the chance to have a truly special connection with Bridgewater in Charlotte.
The Panthers already boasted a solid receiving unit in rising star DJ Moore, and multifaceted slot man Curtis Samuel. additionally, Carolina has perhaps the best young back in the league in Christian McCaffrey, and Reggie Bonnafon an outstanding back-up option.
The addition of Anderson sends them over the top, solidifying the Panthers receivers as one of the best units in the league.
Anderson averaged 15.0 yards per reception a season ago, and is known for his speed and big-play abilities.
For the first time in his career, Bridgewater will have a ridiculous unit of receivers to spread it around to, and that only stands to benefit him and the Panthers as they develop into a major sleeper in the NFC South.