The Panthers are reportedly shopping multiple big names in the wake of coach Matt Rhule's dismissal, including starting wide receiver Robbie Anderson. After Sunday's game against the Rams, there's little doubt Carolina will be motivated to move the veteran pass catcher. Held without a catch into the fourth quarter, Anderson was spotted sitting on Gatorade coolers, away from his teammates, while on the sidelines. Then, after visible arguments with wide receivers coach Joe Dailey and interim head coach Steve Wilks, the wideout was ejected by his own club, told to leave for the locker room before the game's conclusion.
Following the game, Anderson said he "had no idea" why he was sent to the locker room. "I was honestly confused," Anderson said. "I wanted to be in the game. I've never had somebody yell to get out of the game. So I was honestly confused and upset by that. I should be. I don't see nobody that is a true competitor, that knows the value they bring and has true passion for the game, that will be OK with being told not to do something or being taken out of something when they didn't do nothing wrong."
#Panthers Robbie Anderson is sitting away from the rest of the WRs on the sidelines.
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) October 16, 2022
The team is reportedly actively shopping him around the league. pic.twitter.com/RSvawGGhYk
Robbie Anderson getting in the face of coach Joe Dailey 😳
— PFF (@PFF) October 16, 2022
pic.twitter.com/8jaxCupAza
Robbie Anderson has been sent to the locker room by his own team 😳pic.twitter.com/KqsKadRLv4
— PFF (@PFF) October 16, 2022
It's unclear what provoked Anderson's initial arguments with Dailey, who was also scolded by Wilks on the sidelines, but the wideout has reportedly been on shaky ground in Carolina for a while. Due more than $20 million in 2023 as part of a two-year contract extension signed last year, Anderson barely eclipsed 500 receiving yards last season and has been quiet since a 100-yard Week 1 performance this season. This offseason, he made headlines by hinting at retirement and publicly criticizing quarterback Baker Mayfield, who was with the Browns at the time, before later reconciling with the QB.
Anderson's ejection came during Wilks' first game replacing Rhule atop the staff, and left Carolina dangerously thin at receiver. Behind D.J. Moore, only Terrace Marshall Jr. was also active at the position, with Laviska Shenault Jr. and Andre Roberts both sidelined with injuries.
"No one is bigger than the team," Wilks said. "I'm not going to focus and put a lot of attention on one individual."
