CHARLOTTE – Quarterback Derek Anderson has signed a two-year extension that will keep him in Carolina through the 2017 season.
The 11-year veteran was slated to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2015 season.
"I'm excited about this for my family. To be here with the players, coaches and management we have – everything is top notch," Anderson said. "It was a no-brainer for me."
Said head coach Ron Rivera: "Derek adds stability to the quarterback position as the backup, and we have tremendous confidence in him. His experience and veteran leadership has been important in the quarterbacks room and with the coaches. We're securing a veteran player who has been a big part of what we're building."
One of the most trusted backups in the NFL, Anderson started two games in place of an injured Cam Newton in 2014 and won them both against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He appeared in six games total and posted 701 passing yards and five touchdowns with no interceptions.
Anderson appeared in four games in 2013 but did not attempt a pass. He was 4-for-4 on pass attempts for 58 yards in 2012 after zero pass attempts in 2011, his first season in Carolina.
Anderson initially came to the Panthers after one year with the Arizona Cardinals and five with the Cleveland Browns.
"I put a lot into it. I keep preparing, and my (role on this team) is very important to me," Anderson said. "I love football. I love going out there and helping guys in whatever way I can, helping this team in whatever way I can. Being here with the group that we have makes that easy."
