The Jets were waiting for Robby Anderson's price to go down, but the wide receiver didn't want to wait any longer to sign a new deal.
SNY's Ralph Vacchiano confirmed that Anderson has signed a two-year deal with the Carolina Panthers worth $20 million, which includes $12 million guaranteed.
Anderson was looking for a deal around the $13-14 million range per season, but Vacchiano has been reporting that the Jets weren't going to go that high to sign him. They wanted it around the $9-10 million range. Carolina, then, offering $12 million for the first year was the kicker there despite the deal being $10 million AAV.
Heading to the Panthers makes sense for Anderson considering their new head coach Matt Rhule was his head coach while playing for Temple. He'll reunite with someone who recognizes what his blazing speed can do in that system.
For the Jets, they'll have to look elsewhere now for a No. 1 receiver, and that could come in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Robby Anderson says goodbye to the Jets.
- Jets Videos (@snyjets) March 24, 2020
(via IG / @chosen1ra) pic.twitter.com/iLNJRZuVPn
During the past four years with the Jets, Anderson was a fan favorite despite having his highs and lows. He had a great sophomore campaign with 941 yards on 63 receptions with seven touchdowns -- a season that the Jets thought would result in him take a big leap forward to a potential No. 1 receiver.
Though he never had that kind of season again, Anderson did develop good chemistry with Sam Darnold as his new QB, and his second half of the 2019 season when Darnold returned healthy proved that.
In the end, Anderson totaled 3,059 yards on 207 receptions with 20 touchdowns over 62 games with New York.