New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold spoke a bit about the departure of wide receiver Robby Anderson, suggesting the two had established a nice rapport.
Darnold said Anderson improved his route-running, but also alluded to the business side of football getting in the way of the two building on that rapport (via Tyler Greenawalt of USA TODAY):
“You know me and Robby had a really good connection over the years,” Darnold said. “He had gotten a lot better at running routes, as time went on. Some things just didn’t line up. It is what it is.”
Anderson initially stated his desire to return to New York, but he wound up signing a two-year deal with the Carolina Panthers.
Jets general manager Joe Douglas was hesitant to match Carolina's offer in terms of guaranteed money, as Anderson will receive $12 million in his first season. It seems like a prudent move on Douglas' part.
Anderson might have improved his route-running with Darnold under center, but he was not as productive as he had been during the 2017 campaign, when he had 941 yards receiving and seven touchdowns.
Meanwhile, the Jets will hope second-round draft pick Denzel Mims can provide Darnold with a legitimate weapon.
Mims averaged 15.5 yards per reception and had 12 receiving touchdowns in his senior season at Baylor, and he also ran a 4.38 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine.
New York also signed former Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Breshad Perriman, who averaged nearly 18 yards per reception last season.
Darnold might not have Anderson out wide, but Douglas was savvy in replacing him with a burner in Perriman and Mims, who can line up all over the field.
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