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The Carolina Panthers may have to add backup quarterback to the list of vacancies they’ll have to fill this offseason.
Derek Anderson wrote on his Facebook page that he'd be "honored" to play for the Cleveland Browns again just one day after the team announced former Panthers offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski as its head coach.
"Looks like it is time to make a return to a familiar place for some unfinished business," Anderson posted, according to Ohio's News-Herald. "I'd be honored to return to Cleveland to play football if the fans would have me."
Anderson served as Cam Newton's backup the past two seasons at Carolina. He appeared in two games each season and did not attempted a pass in 2011. He played at the end of Week 3's game against the New York Giants and filled in for an injured Newton on five snaps in the 2012 season finale at New Orleans.
Anderson received consecutive one-year deals from the Panthers. The quarterback is an unrestricted free agent after collecting $825,000 in salary and a $65,000 signing bonus this past season.
Chudzinski and Anderson were together with the Browns in 2007 and 2008 when Chudzinski was the offensive coordinator. Anderson went to the Pro Bowl in 2007 after passing for 3,787 yards, 29 touchdowns and 19 interceptions.
He left Cleveland unceremoniously following the 2009 season. He went down with a knee injury during the season and lambasted the fans for cheering his injury. After leaving the team, Anderson said Cleveland fans "didn't deserve a winner."
It's unclear whether Anderson would compete for the starting role or serve as the No. 2 quarterback in Cleveland. Rookie QB Brandon Weeden, who was drafted 22nd overall, passed for 3,385 yards, 14 touchdowns and 17 interceptions this year.
The Panthers likely would not promote QB Jimmy Clausen to the backup role. Clausen, Carolina’s starting quarterback for 10 games in 2010, hasn’t been active for a regular season contest since Newton came to Carolina. The team could look for a veteran free agent to back up Newton, who will be entering his third NFL season.
