Why one veteran receiver could be in play for Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have been tied to every conceivable wide receiver in trade scenarios. DK Metcalf, Deebo Samuel and most recently Diontae Johnson. It's beating a dead horse, but it makes sense why they are attached to every name 'available'. In the present state, the WR room for Dallas is largely underwhelming. Aside from CeeDee […]
The Dallas Cowboys have been tied to every conceivable wide receiver in trade scenarios. DK Metcalf, Deebo Samuel and most recently Diontae Johnson. It's beating a dead horse, but it makes sense why they are attached to every name 'available'.
In the present state, the WR room for Dallas is largely underwhelming. Aside from CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup, the depth is open for grabs among eight different players. Some of whom are rotational players, and other who've never caught a pass in their careers. It makes sense why they're constantly picked as trade patterners for just about ANY available WR.
Speaking of trades, a bombshell was dropped on July 6, with the news that Cleveland Browns QB is now with Carolina. The Panthers only have to give up a conditional 5th round pick. A similar price for what Amari Cooper was given up for.
This raises eyebrows considering the initial and follow up reactions from Panthers WR Robby Anderson. Someone who made his opinions known two months ago. Responding to the idea of Mayfield potentially being his new QB, under the Instagram handle, chosen1ra.
However, he has since cooled on his earlier opinions. Answering reporters about his vocalization against Mayfield.
The trade just happened, so there's no new moves yet. However, it's also too early to believe his feelings have changed so much in a short amount of time. Feelings he professed on social media for all to see.
It also makes sense why of all the WRs they're attached to, the Dallas Cowboys should inquire with Anderson. While Metcalf, Samuel and Johnson are all seeking a second contract, which could each range from $18-$22 million per year, Anderson is on a current deal. A deal that's very 'cap friendly' for Stephen Jones.
The Cowboys have just over $22 million in cap space this year, with this final number to be determined. Based off the Dalton Schultz negotiations, and the possibility of them letting him walk in free agency in 2023.
It also would see the projected rise of the salary cap go from $208 million to $230 million. The only thing that would greatly affect the cap is the possibility of WR CeeDee Lamb and CB Trevon Diggs getting early extensions.
If the Panthers were to trade Anderson, they would eat over $9 million in dead money, but save $12 million in cap space for 2023. An amount the Panthers can afford with just over $21 million in cap room for the upcoming season.
While players like Samuel, Metcalf and Johnson would all net high draft picks to get, Anderson would be a less expensive option.
He's 29 but would be an immediate upgrade on the Cowboys depth chart. With 355 catches, 4,674 yards and 28 touchdowns. Averaging an impressive 59.2 catches per season and 13.9 yards per reception, both would rank second on the current roster.
It's uncertain if the Panthers would part with Anderson, but they only have five picks in next-year's NFL Draft. The likelihood is that losing players like Randy Gregory, Connor Williams and Cedrick Wilson will net them plenty of compensatory picks. Meaning this would be a trade that benefits everyone, from the players to the organizations.
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