Former Denver Broncos running back CJ Anderson signs with the Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers signed former Broncos running back CJ Anderson today. It was a great signing for a team that already has Christian McCaffrey…
The Carolina Panthers added to their running back position today, signing former Denver Broncos tailback CJ Anderson to a 1-year contract…
Ah, yes. The running back duo Broncos Country had hoped would join forces during the 2017 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, it’s not exactly how Broncos fans wanted it to be. Anderson is now a Carolina Panther and a complimentary back to McCaffrey.
The connection between the Broncos and the Panthers running back? Christian’s dad, Ed McCaffrey, who played wide receiver for the team from 1995 to 2003.
It would have truly been neat to have one of Ed’s sons join his former team.
This is definitely a Panthers move. It reminds me of when they had the two-headed monster of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. In fact, it may even be better. Anderson is just 27-years old and has a lot left in the tank. McCaffrey will be 22-years old during the 2018 season.
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Carolina saw first-hand what Anderson can do, as he rushed 23 times for 90 yards and a touchdown against them in Super Bowl 50, back in February of 2016. Well, I’m not sure if that had anything to do with their decision to sign him, but it sure helped their cause.
Anderson played all 16 games in 2017, accumulating 1,007 yards on 245 rushing attempts. He also finished the year with three touchdowns. Not only did he rush the football very well for the Broncos last year, he also caught 28 passes for 224 yards.
In McCaffrey’s rookie season, he rushed the ball 117 times for 435 yards and two touchdowns, while averaging 27.2 yards a game. With the addition of Anderson, I think McCaffrey will have a better season in year 2. A lot of players struggle during their rookie season in the NFL and go on to have excellent careers. The acquisition of Anderson will likely help McCaffrey. Anderson has been in the league since going undrafted in 2013.
The Broncos released Anderson in mid-April, deciding roll with Devontae Booker and De’Angelo Henderson. Denver also added running backs Royce Freeman (third round pick, 2018) and Phillip Lindsay, who was picked up by the Broncos as an undrafted free agent from Colorado.
When the Broncos released Anderson, they cut a player who had done a lot for the team. Now they are starting fresh with guys who don’t have as much tread on their tires. With experience, the current running back crop for Denver could be very good down the road.