The New York Jets’ top receiver over the last four seasons will reunite with new Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule.
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Robby Anderson will depart the New York Jets for a two-year, $20 million payday with the Carolina Panthers.
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
Thus ends the Anderson era in New York, one that saw him earn 3,059 yards on 207 receptions, 20 of which went for touchdowns. Each of those marks is good for the best in Jets history since 2016, when Anderson joined the team as an undrafted free agent out of Temple. That yardage and reception tallies are good for 14th in overall franchise history.
Anderson’s best New York season came in 2017, when he earned 914 yards on 63 receptions with seven touchdowns. His best individual performance came ironically came that season in a loss to the Panthers. Anderson put up 146 yards on six grabs for two touchdowns in a 35-27 defeat.
Last season, Anderson hooked up with Sam Darnold for a 92-yard touchdown pass in the Jets’ October win over Dallas. It was the second-longest passing play in the NFL last season. Anderson wrapped up his Jets career with 779 yards and five scores on 52 catches.
Anderson, a native of Fair Lawn, NJ, quickly made a name for himself after joining the Jets as an undrafted signee in the spring of 2016. He would earn a roster spot over several veterans by leading the team in receiving during the ensuing preseason (264 yards on 13 receptions).
With his move to Carolina, Anderson reunites with two key names from his college football career. The Panthers hired former Owls boss Matt Rhule to be the head coach and the team recently signed his college quarterback PJ Walker from the Houston Roughnecks of the XFL. After going 2-10 in their 2013 freshman year in Philadelphia, the triumvirate guided the Owls to the American Athletic Conference East Division title two years later. Temple also won 10 games for the first time since 1979.
With Anderson’s departure, the Jets may be forced to take a wide receiver with the 11th overall pick of the upcoming NFL Draft. Current veteran receivers on the roster include Jamison Crowder, Quincy Enunwa, and newcomer Josh Doctson.
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags