Wide receiver Robbie Anderson was the source of a bizarre situation on the Carolina Panthers sideline during Sunday afternoon’s game against the Los Angeles Rams when he was seen arguing with several members of the coaching staff on the sidelines before taking off his helmet and going off to sit by himself. After the wild scene, it looked as though the Panthers were going to have to cut the seventh-year receiver. But they found another solution.
According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Carolina Panthers agreed to trade Anderson to the Arizona Cardinals on Monday afternoon.
Carolina had shopped Robbie Anderson recently, and all parties appeared on the same page. But rather than have to release him after yesterday, the #Panthers were able to deal him to Arizona. https://t.co/jlarObdjJC
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 17, 2022
As Rapoport acknowledges, Anderson has been the source of trade talks, especially after the team fired head coach Matt Rhule earlier this month. Sunday’s outburst put more urgency on the Panthers to find a trade partner, and they did on Monday.
“Carolina had shopped Robbie Anderson recently, and all parties appeared on the same page. But rather than have to release him after yesterday, the #Panthers were able to deal him to Arizona,” Rapoport said on Monday.
Kyler Murray and the Cardinals now have a new weapon and the Panthers are free of Anderson. It was a win-win, and the NFL world had plenty to say about it on Twitter.
The #Cardinals owe Robbie Anderson the remaining $690,000 prorated portion of his base salary after the trade from the #Panthers, who were looking to move Anderson as soon as Matt Rhule was fired a week ago.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 17, 2022
really hate to see this. robbie was just getting comfortable with sir purr 💔 https://t.co/KONljDNevX pic.twitter.com/hRNCFGExYp
— Joe Ali (@JoeAli) October 17, 2022
Sometimes a change of scenery is all you need, I’ll see you Thursday night field side @chosen1ra 💯 https://t.co/OCo84EuZeX
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) October 17, 2022
It doesn't matter how many WRs they have in AZ, it won't make Kliff Kingsbury any better at OC and head coach. https://t.co/cK8KaZIBKj
— George Wrighster III (@georgewrighster) October 17, 2022
I don't want to make any wild assumptions, but this definitely raises my concern levels for Marquise Brown's injury. https://t.co/disCN48N4B
— Dave Kluge (@DaveKluge) October 17, 2022
Would probably mean bad news for Hollywood Brown.
I didn't think any team would willingly trade for Anderson. But of course it's the Cardinals. https://t.co/VvVhbZVC5j
— Matt Harmon (@MattHarmon_BYB) October 17, 2022
It's done. https://t.co/9HnmQ85ryV
— Cat Crave (@CatCraveBlog) October 17, 2022
Anderson has been in the headlines many times in the past several months after Anderson criticized rumors that the team was interested in Baker Mayfield, then tweeted (then deleted) that he was considering retirement ahead of camp.
Now, it seems both parties have moved on.