Carolina Panthers: Derek Anderson Nice Insurance Policy

The Carolina Panthers, winners of two straight NFC South titles (a first in the history of the division) are now looking to make three in a row and more.

And thanks to some foresight by general manager Dave Gettleman and the organization, the team not only has two-time Pro Bowl quarterback Cam Newton locked up for a few years but his backup as well.

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As Jonathan Jones of The Charlotte Observer reported last week, the team signed veteran signal-caller Derek Anderson to a two-year contract extension that will keep him under wraps through 2017.

“I’m excited about this for my family,” said Anderson. “To be here with the players, coaches and management we have – everything is top notch. It was a no-brainer for me.”

Anderson, who joined the Panthers the same year that Newton was the first overall pick by Carolina in 2011, feels he is in an ideal place.

“I mean, yeah that would be nice (to be a starter), but I like the situation we have going here,” said Anderson on Thursday night to Jones. “My wife’s happy here and the guys in the locker room, coaches are great.

Sep 7, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Derek Anderson (3) on the sidelines during the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

As far as becoming a starter with one of the other teams that may have been or will be looking for a quarterback, the 10-year pro (who was a sixth-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in 2005) was realistic and confident that he’s made the right choice.

“I wasn’t just going to go chase something and then get in a situation that’s not ideal and not knowing the people I’m working with,” said Anderson to Jones following the team’s 2015 preseason finale against the Steelers in Pittsburgh.

Let’s remind people just what the veteran signal-caller managed to do this in 2014, a pair of wins that proved to be the difference in a disastrous season and a return to the playoffs.

With Newton nursing a rib injury suffered in the team’s third preseason game, the experienced passer got the nod in Week 1. In Carolina’s season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Anderson connected on 24 of his 34 throws for 230 yards and a pair of scores without an interception in a 20-14 win.

Aug 22, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) prepares to take the ball on his first set of downs during the first half of the game against the Miami Dolphins at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

A mere 14 weeks later, Anderson got the start when Newton was sidelined following a car accident earlier in the week. Ironically, he faced the Buccaneers again and came through with 277 yards through the air and a touchdown pass as the Panthers held off their divisional rivals, 19-17.

Two starts with three touchdown passes and zero turnovers. Anderson was sacked a combined four times in the two contests and fumbled twice but managed to recover both miscues.

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