NFC Notes: Packers, Panthers, Saints

Packers

• Bleacher Report’s Mike Freeman says there is interest in QB Jameis Winston from teams, though more from the front office side than coaches, who note how even respected HC Bruce Arians couldn’t fix Winston’s turnover issues.
• One AFC assistant coach said the Packers could be a potential fit: “Having him around Aaron Rodgers would only help him.”

Panthers

New Panthers WR Robby Anderson discussed his new situation with Carolina and how he will mesh with his new teammates during a conference call on Friday.

“I think it’s going to mesh perfectly. I think D.J. Moore is a great receiver. I think he’s very underrated. He had a huge year last year, but I think he can do a lot of things. And he’s gifted with what he can do after the catch, as well. I’ve paid attention to him,” Anderson said, via Joseph Person of The Athletic. “And I really like Curtis (Samuel). I especially liked him coming out of Ohio State, the things that he can do. He can make a small play into a big play. And with my speed and my over-the-top capabilities, I just think we’re going to complement each other very well. And then with Christian (McCaffrey), he’s the best running back in the NFL. And then with Teddy (Bridgewater), having that veteran presence that knows how to spread the wealth, I think we’re all gonna complement each other in a great way.”

Anderson also mentions what type of game he brings with him to Carolina, and spoke about new Panthers HC Matt Rhule having his back when he was a player at Temple University.

“(Speed) is definitely a huge asset of mine. But there’s a lot of other things I can do — intermediate routes, across the middle, things like that,” Anderson said. “I think that’s gonna be utilized because coach Rhule’s familiar with me as a player. He had me when I was in college and saw the things I can do.”

“(Rhule) stood on the table with the university to get me back into school. To open up that door for me to right my wrongs and get to be in the position that I’m in today. I had to work hard and raise my GPA and do like a crazy amount of summer classes just to get eligible to play my senior year. And also, on top of that, it opened the door for a lot of students to return to the university earlier than they typically would have.”

During this offseason, reports were surfacing that the Jets offered Anderson a four-year, $40 million contract to stay in New York, worth double the two-year, $20 million deal he signed in Carolina. Anderson tweeted that the report was “fake news,” and stood by that claim on Friday, though he declined to say what the Jets’ offer was.

“I’m kind of past that. I’m focused on this chapter. But I addressed that and I stand on what I said. My agent addressed it, too,” he said. “I’m thankful for my time in New York, the growth and the opportunity that they did give me. But just thankful to be where I am now.”

Saints

• Bleacher Report’s Mike Freeman says there is interest in QB Jameis Winston from teams, though more from the front office side than coaches, who note how even respected HC Bruce Arians couldn’t fix Winston’s turnover issues. One AFC assistant coach said the Saints could be a potential fit.