The beginning of the post-Matt Rhule era in Carolina hasn’t been devoid of drama. Veteran receiver Robbie Anderson was sent from the team’s sidelines to the dressing room by interim head coach Steve Wilks midway through the game against the Rams (video link via The Athletic’s Joe Person). The incident will, in all likelihood, mark the end of his Panthers tenure. 
Anderson had been involved in multiple heated arguments with members of the team’s coaching staff before leaving the field. He saw limited playing time prior to the incident, and was not targeted. On the season, the 29-year-old has totaled 206 yards and a touchdown on 13 receptions – a far cry from the 95/1096/3 statline he produced in 2020, his first season as a Panther.
With Rhule gone, the Temple alum has been named one of the most logical trade candidates amongst several players teams have inquired about in recent days. He has a 2022 base salary of just over $1MM, but is on the books for 2023 as well at a cap figure of $21.7MM as a result of a restructure. The market for Anderson was likely lukewarm at best considering his production, but Person confirmed yesterday (on Twitter) that the Panthers were indeed shopping him (compared to simply the willingness they have shown in fielding calls on other, more attractive players).
Carolina’s endeavors to move Anderson are sure to be accelerated after tonight. If they cannot find a trade partner before next month’s deadline, CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones notes that the team will “very likely” release him after the season ends.
When addressing the media after the game – which ended in a 24-10 loss for Carolina – Wilks remained non-committal regarding Anderson’s place on the team moving forward (Twitter link via ESPN’s David Newton). He added that he will speak privately to Anderson; when the dust has settled, how both parties move forward will be worth watching in the coming days.
Why do they have to cut/trade him? Maybe there was a misunderstanding that can be worked out. Tired of people jumping to conclusions.
Yes, let’s force the new coach to coddle the nut case. That’s always great for morale…
This has been building since last season. He’s a typical diva WR, but without the star level talent and stats to back it up. He’s not worth coddling. He hasn’t been a solid deep threat #2 WR since 2020.
Good ‘old Robbie. Even when he was good, he wasn’t actually all that good… certainly not as good as he thought he is, anyways. Teams might have been interested in trading for him before, but now? Probably not so much.
Pete Carroll seems to be addicted to lost causes and those in need of rehabilitation, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he had some interest.
Pete Carroll is like many girls, “I can fix him.”
That probably killed the last of his trade value, can’t see someone giving up much of anything for a malcontent who’s not even that productive on the field (though QB play does factor in).
What is is about Baker unfulfilled expectations coaches being fired and WR’s throwing tantrums?
To be fair, Robbie did this when people started mentioning the Baker-to-Carolina rumors to begin with. So this predates Mayfield.
He could always go back to The Island Boys
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
He could be a change of scenery candidate in a deal with a team that has a WR with potential with a regular DNP CD status. I’m not sure the Jets would want to bring him back for Mims, though, especially if that cap hit for next year is guaranteed regardless of whether he’s released.
I’ve never understood why so many people assume a “change of scenery” is going to be a magic elixir. Is there actually any data to support the idea that players are more likely to succeed than continue failing after a move?