CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - Cam Newton's sideline mentor is back.
Unrestricted free agent quarterback Derek Anderson said Wednesday that he's agreed to a one-year contract to remain with Carolina Panthers. Anderson would not disclose the financial terms of the deal.
He said he likes the progress the Panthers displayed in 2011 under first-year coach Ron Rivera.
"I'm just excited to get back and build on the success that we had last season," Anderson said.
The team has not yet announced the signing.
The 28-year-old Anderson is expected again to backup Newton, who was named the Associated Press' offensive rookie of the year last season.
Anderson moved ahead of Jimmy Clausen as the team's No. 2 quarterback last preseason and never relinquished the job. Clausen was inactive for all 16 games last season, raising questions about his long-term future of the former second-round pick.
Clausen has two years left on his contract with the Panthers.
Anderson, a seven-year NFL veteran, only saw action in two games in his first season with the Panthers and did not attempt a pass in mop up duty. He only took a handful of snaps and Newton took the rest.
However, the Panthers like having Anderson around because he's familiar with offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski's system having worked with him in Cleveland. Anderson's best season came in 2007 when he threw for 3,787 yards and 29 touchdowns and earned his only trip to the Pro Bowl as a member of the Browns.
Newton said last season that having Anderson alongside him on the practice field and in the film room was a big reason for his success.
Last year Anderson joined the Panthers after being released by the Arizona Cardinals. He received a one-year contract from the Panthers worth the league veteran minimum of $685,000 along with a $50,000 signing bonus.
Anderson, who has started 43 games during his career, seemed to take to the mentorship right away last season.
"Right now, that's my role, and I'm willing to do it. I'm having fun," Anderson said last season. "I'm trying to help those guys learn the offense, having been in it, and I think I've helped them with a lot of things and will continue to help them. I hope I can teach them from the mistakes that I've made."
