If Baker Mayfield ends up on the Carolina Panthers, one of his top targets — Robbie Anderson — will not be happy.
On Friday, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network went on the Pat McAfee Show and said that the “Panthers seem to be the most likely spot for Baker Mayfield.” That, in and of itself, is not earth-shattering. The Panthers are a team with an uncertain quarterback situation and Mayfield wants out of Cleveland. It seems like a good fit. Only, Anderson doesn’t agree.
Panthers.way — a fansite on Instagram for Carolina — cited the report from Rapoport. Anderson’s verified Instagram account replied “Nooooo.”
Looks like #Panthers WR Robby Anderson does not want Baker Mayfield pic.twitter.com/2BINflMbsF
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) April 15, 2022
And he doubled down. When Panthers.way later posted a photo of Anderson, saying that he “does not want Baker Mayfield to come to Carolina,” Anderson replied “Facts.”
Anderson’s first season with the Panthers went great. In 2020, he caught 95 passes for 1,096 yards. The follow-up campaign in 2021 wasn’t nearly as effective, though. He played in all 17 games in 2021, starting 16. But despite that, he caught only 53 passes for 519 yards. So, while the input of a receiver is important when it comes to acquiring a quarterback, Anderson’s productivity may not be enough for his opinion to be a deal-breaker.
Also, while Mayfield has no doubt had his issues, he’s markedly better than any quarterback Anderson has ever had and would be a vast improvement over those on the Carolina roster.
Regardless of that, though, it does seem as though Mayfield will have to work hard to win over one teammate if he ends up with the Panthers.
