Robby Anderson could have been a member of the Patriots, at least according to the Panthers wide receiver.
Speaking to reporters in Carolina Wednesday, Anderson said the Patriots and Bill Belichick showed interest in him during the 2020 offseason after he finished his career in New York.
“When I played them, from what I can remember, (Belichick) usually would put man coverage (with) a safety over the top and scheme me, do things like that,” he said. “Kind of take me out of the picture. He even told me that, too. Last year when I was in free agency, he tried to get me to sign. He was like, ‘I’m tired of scheming against you. I’m tired of going against you.'”
Prior to the 2020 season, the Patriots did not have much cap space and added wide out Damiere Byrd on a small deal. Meanwhile, the Panthers signed Anderson to a two-year, $20 million deal with $12 million guaranteed.
Even if the interest was mutual, it doesn't seem like the Patriots could have come close to competing with what Carolina gave Anderson.
Anderson had a great first season with the Panthers, finishing with over 1,000 yards receiving and getting a two-year extension worth up to $29 million that runs through 2023 this past offseason.
This season, Anderson is off to a rough start. He's caught just 36% of the passes thrown his way for 204 yards in eight games.
Anderson has never beaten the Patriots in his career (0-8).
“I look at their team like I’m going against Bill Belichick and Tom Brady,” he said. “Tom’s not there, obviously, but I know how they’re going to come regardless of who is on that team. I know the type of system that Bill Belichick is running with that defense and the tenacity and the style of play and the things they do.
“I know it’s going to be a war, and I know the key to beating the Patriots is playing fundamentally sound football. I’ve seen it since my rookie year (with) the Jets — if you give them a turnover or the team turns over the ball, that’s what makes the difference in that game. It’s just doing all the little things correctly against them.”
The Patriots and Panthers will meet Sunday afternoon in Carolina.