UPDATE: Panthers trade Anderson to Cardinals after confusion led to in-game exit vs. Rams
UPDATE (Monday, 1:30 p.m.): The Carolina Panthers traded wideout Robbie Anderson to the Arizona Cardinals on Monday for a pair of draft picks. (READ MORE)
--
Robbie Anderson was confused.
The Carolina Panthers wideout was asked to come off the field during an important play against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, and his confusion led to a confrontation between himself and wide receivers coach Joe Dailey on the sideline.
“My job here is to do everything I can to help us win,” Anderson said following the 24-10 loss to the Rams. “It’s third down, I’m getting taken out of the game, I don’t think I should be okay with that. So, I made a comment, ‘It’s money down, why am I being taken out?’ And that’s that.”
Anderson, 29, was sent to the locker room by interim head coach Steve Wilks ahead of the fourth quarter following two separate arguments between the receiver and Dailey. Wilks, in his first game as interim head coach, made that decision with his passing offense struggling mightily, as the Rams piled on the Panthers.
“It was a sideline-type situation that I felt like I wanted to try to get him in (the locker room) at the moment, and that’s something that we’ll discuss as we further get into the week,” Wilks said.
Anderson met with the media following the loss. After speaking with Panthers GM Scott Fitterer, Anderson felt the need to explain himself.
“Cause I don’t want nobody to have a misconception about me,” Anderson said. “Other times in my life, when I have had moments of controversy, I didn’t speak up for myself. And it’s not just about me, it’s for the young kids that go through similar things as me, to always stand firm and stand up for yourself. Certain principles that I was raised on is non-negotiable. Before anything else I’m a man, and respect is mandated and respect is earned. It’s not always given.”
Anderson, who has been former head coach Matt Rhule’s pupil since his college days, said he understood the business aspect of his longtime mentor’s departure on Monday. While losing Rhule was difficult for Anderson, the receiver said he gave his best effort throughout the week of preparation.
“It’s business so I had to keep my head down, I’m here,” Anderson said. “My goal was, this week, was to do all that I can, when my opportunity comes, to do my best. I didn’t get an opportunity today, but I still gave my all. Every day in practice, I emptied the tank and gave it my all. That’s all I can do, is control what I can.”
The Panthers have been shopping Anderson on the trade block, according to a league source. Anderson, who is signed through 2023, could be an appealing option to a playoff contender seeking wideout help.
“I’ve been in trade rumors before,” Anderson said. “It’s part of the game. I don’t let it affect me. Like I said, I just keep my head down and go hard, regardless.”
If Anderson and the Panthers want to get a trade done with a contender, they’ll need to answer for Anderson’s theatrics on the sideline. Anderson, at least publicly, isn’t pushing for a trade.
“I wouldn’t say I want to be traded, but I want to be – I’m going to let God follow his plans in my life,” Anderson said, “And I know what he has ordained for me is what’s best for me, so I let things take his course on his time, and obviously, I’m here for a reason, so that’s why I gave my all and gave my best today.”
Anderson wasn’t targeted against the Rams. Through six games this season, Anderson has caught just 13 of 27 targets for 206 yards and a touchdown.
Anderson said he was right to be frustrated by the lack of attention and playing time against the Rams.
“I’ve never been told in ‘X’ amount of years, ‘Get out the game’ in the fourth quarter,” Anderson said. “So I was honestly confused and upset by it, as I should be. I don’t see nobody that’s a true competitor, that knows the value that they bring, and has true passion toward the game that would be okay with being told not to do something or being taken out something when they didn’t do nothing wrong.”
Following the Panthers’ latest defeat, Wilks was already turning the page to the team’s home matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But the head coach did make himself crystal clear when addressing the potential distraction that Anderson caused on Sunday.
“I’m going to say this, no one is bigger than the team,” Wilks said. “And I’m not going to focus and put a lot of attention on one individual.”
This story was originally published October 17, 2022 at 6:00 AM.
