Panthers' Robbie Anderson: Reaction to Mayfield Rumors Was Out of Support for Darnold

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIJune 15, 2022

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 14: Robby Anderson #11 of the Carolina Panthers runs with the ball against Chandler Jones #55 of the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter at State Farm Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. The Panthers defeated the Cardinals 34-10. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)

Kelsey Grant/Getty Images

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Robbie Anderson said that his recent Instagram comments that appeared to express displeasure with a potential union between his team and Cleveland Browns signal-caller Baker Mayfield were done out of support for incumbent Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold.

ESPN's Kimberley A. Martin relayed comments Anderson made to local reporters.

Kimberley A. Martin @ByKimberleyA
Asked by local reporters about his now-deleted tweet about retirement, Robby Anderson said he was just “thinking out loud” but it was “nothing too serious.” Q: Do you want to be a Panther? “I’m here, right?” Anderson replied.

Kimberley A. Martin @ByKimberleyA
Robby Anderson said “it’ll be what it is” *if* CAR does in fact trade for Baker Mayfield. Asked if he’s had negative experiences or interactions with Baker, Anderson replied: “I don’t know buddy, you feel me?” <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/panthers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#panthers</a>

Anthony Rizzuti of Panthers Wire explained what went down on April 15:

"On Friday, a fan Instagram account, @panthers.way, posted a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport that suggested Carolina was the most likely landing spot for Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield. Anderson (@chosen1ra), who wasn’t subtweeting or sub-commenting this time, made it clear he’s not exactly cool with such a prospect."

Anderson responded "Nooooo" to that IG post and then later wrote "Facts" in response to another post saying that the wideout did not want Mayfield in town.

It's no secret that the Panthers aren't beholden to rolling with Darnold going forward. They drafted Ole Miss signal-caller Matt Corral in the third round this year, and rumors have connected Mayfield with the Panthers after Cleveland traded for Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson.

Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reported on the matter Tuesday, saying there's "urgency" for the Panthers to get a deal done "soon."

Jonathan Jones @jjones9
There's urgency on Carolina's side to execute the deal soon so Mayfield can get some time in minicamp with the Panthers. For the Browns, it's the best offer they have. Talks ongoing.

As for Anderson, he's coming off a down year in which he had 53 catches for 519 yards. He posted 95 receptions for 1,096 yards the season beforehand.

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Anderson has played with Darnold for three seasons: two with the New York Jets (2018-19) and last year with Carolina.

The 29-year-old is under contract with the Panthers through 2023.