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C.J. Anderson the perfect free agent addition for Carolina Panthers

By George Stockburger

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 31: Running back C.J. Anderson #22 of the Denver Broncos takes the field before a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 31, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 31: Running back C.J. Anderson #22 of the Denver Broncos takes the field before a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 31, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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Another weapon is added to the Carolina Panthers offense for Norv Turner

Carolina Panthers fans are ready to see a high-flying offense led by Cam Newton and Christian McCaffrey, and the pieces are coming together around them. After drafting Maryland receiver D.J. Moore in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft and trading for veteran Torrey Smith, the Panthers have added perhaps the most critical component of offensive coordinator Norv Turner’s offense.

Former Denver Broncos starter C.J. Anderson signed a one-year deal with Carolina on Monday, giving the Panthers the power-runner Turner loves to utilize.

Turner has worked with three of the greatest running backs of all-time: Emmitt Smith, LaDainian Tomlinson, and Adrian Peterson. Even less heralded names that have come through Turner’s system (Trent Richardson, Matt Asiata) fit a similar role as a tough runner between the tackles.

Per ProFootball Focus Anderson was seventh in the league last year in yards after contact with 680, tied with Zeke Elliott. With Jonathan Stewart no longer with Carolina, the Panthers have the power runner Turner can utilize along with the Swiss Army Knife McCaffrey.

Denver released Anderson after his first 1,000-yard season and saved $4.5 million in the process. The 27-year-old has dealt with knee injuries in his young career, ranging from a Grade 2 MCL sprain in the 2013 preseason to a meniscus tear in 2016 that landed him on injured reserve.

Carolina now has several toys for Turner to work with between Anderson, McCaffrey, Smith, Moore, Greg Olsen, Devin Funchess, Curtis Samuel, and rookie tight end Ian Thomas.

Next: Potential Rookie Pro Bowlers

A franchise only two years removed from a Super Bowl loss, Carolina has the potential on offense to fight for a playoff spot and their first playoff win since the 2015 NFC Championship.

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