Report: Patriots exploring trade for Panthers WR Robby Anderson

The New England Patriots are interested in a potential trade with the Carolina Panthers to acquire wide receiver Robby Anderson, according to Joe Person of The Athletic and Greg Bedard of Boston Sports Journal.

Anderson, 28, had a huge season for the Panthers in 2020 with 95 receptions for 1,096 yards and three touchdowns. But his production dropped off significantly in 2021 and he finished with 53 receptions for 519 yards and five touchdowns.

The Patriots could use help at wide receiver as the team attempts to build around 2021 first-round quarterback Mac Jones. Veteran Jakobi Meyers led the team with 83 receptions for 866 yards and two touchdowns while free agent acquisition Nelson Agholor caught 37 passes for 473 yards and three touchdowns. New England also got another disappointing year out of 2019 first-round pick N'Keal Harry who finished with just 12 receptions for 184 yards.

Anderson received a two-year, $29.5 contract extension just before the start of the 2021 season and is due to count about $16.8 million against the Panthers' cap in 2022.