Derek Anderson has been the backup in Carolina since he arrived in 2011, and should continue in that role this season behind starter Cam Newton. Anderson is a former starter with a great deal of experience and seems to have settled into his role as the backup with the Panthers.
Fantasy Upside
Anderson still has a very strong arm and good size, standing 6’6 in the pocket. He’s had some fantasy value in the past, with stops in Cleveland and Arizona, including a Pro Bowl season all the way back in 2007 when he threw for 3,787 yards and 29 touchdowns. If called upon to start, Anderson can sling it.
Fantasy Downside
Anderson also slings it to opposing defenders when he gets the call, though. He has a career 53/55 TD/Int ratio and has never been considered a particularly accurate quarterback. Even if he winds up playing for an extended period of time, he’s unlikely to become a viable fantasy starter, unless you’re in a deep 2QB league.
Bottom Line
With reports of Cam Newton being a little banged up, Anderson may see the field early this year, but with a questionable supporting cast on offense and Anderson’s history of throwing the ball to the wrong team, it’s hard to imagine he’ll do a whole lot. No reason to draft him in most leagues.