The Miami Dolphins have added another explosive talent to the offense, as Chosen Anderson signed a one-year deal with the potential to play a big role on a team that’s looking to make a run at a championship.
Anderson may be expected to make an immediate impact on the Dolphins’ offense as a legitimate number three receiver. He may have to earn his way on the depth chart, but his experience and skill set should give him an advantage in training camp.
Before he steps on the field in a Miami jersey, here are a few things for fans to know about the wide receiver.
Returning home
Anderson is no stranger to the Miami area. He grew up in Fort Lauderdale and played at South Plantation High School. 247Sports ranked him the No. 56 receiver in the nation. He’d go on to play college football at Temple University.
Coming to the Dolphins will be a fresh start for Anderson after a tough 2022 campaign. Being in an area he’s played in before could help him acclimate himself quickly.
Another receiver with speed
Anderson joins the dynamic receiving duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. This gives the Dolphins three receivers who are well-known for speed and big-play capability. Anderson’s 2016 combine shows a 40-time of 4.36 seconds. He’s been a consistent deep threat since entering the league. In addition to great speed, Anderson stands at 6-foot-3.
Anderson’s presence will benefit everyone in the offense. Opposing secondaries will have to account for him which will complement Hill and Waddle, allowing them to expand their playbook. It could also open the door for a gadget player like Braxton Berrios to get involved.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa hasn’t seen a wide receiver group this talented since his college years at Alabama. The Dolphins have made a clear point to strengthen the pieces around Tua. With plenty of offseason left, this offense will be ready to perform when the season kicks off.
Former division rival
Anderson spent his first four years with the AFC East rival New York Jets. He suited up for 62 games (47 starts) while logging 3,059 yards and 20 touchdowns.
As an undrafted free agent, Anderson had to work his way up the depth chart in New York. He turned being undrafted to starting eight games his rookie season. Anderson maintained a consistent role in the Jets’ offense over the following three years.
Recent down years
The last two seasons haven’t been memorable for Anderson. His yardage has taken career-low dips in both 2021 and 2022. It’s been a massive swing in the wrong direction after posting his best statistical season in 2020.
Some of the issues can’t all be attributed to Anderson. His time in Carolina was riddled with injuries and instability at the quarterback position. Anderson played with five different starting quarterbacks for the Panthers from 2021-22.
He was traded to the Arizona Cardinals after Week 6 last season and had trouble finding a role in the offense, as he was hardly featured in the 11 games he played for them.
Anderson only ended up starting seven games in 2022, posting career lows in receptions (20), yards (282) and touchdowns (one).
Yet to play in the playoffs
Anderson is entering his eighth year in the NFL and is still in search of his first appearance in the playoffs. In fact, he’s never been on a team to earn a record above .500. The 2023 Dolphins could be his best chance to play winning football.
It’s likely that Mike McDaniel will utilize a talent like Anderson to his full potential. The wideout has the skill set and team around him to have a bounce-back season on a contending team.
