Panthers' Anderson hopeful

CHARLOTTE --

James Anderson did not sit idly by during the NFL lockout.

While owners and players labored over a collective-bargaining agreement, Anderson saw the world. The Carolina Panthers linebacker took vacations to the Caribbean; Maui, Hawaii; and Vancouver, British Columbia.

These were not adventure trips. Anderson said he "laid around and did nothing" wherever he could find a beach.

The travel followed a career year for Anderson, whose 130 tackles in 2010 were 24 more than his total from his first four seasons combined.

But after all the frozen drinks and frequent-flier miles, Anderson returned to Charlotte. He hopes to stay here a while longer.

"No doubt about it," Anderson said Tuesday at Charlotte Bobcats President Fred Whitfield's basketball camp. "I've been here my whole time and I love the city, so I would love to stay."

With the NFL expected to return to its pre-2010 rules for free agency in the new CBA, in which players with four seasons would be unrestricted free agents, Anderson, a native of Roanoke Rapids who attended Virginia Tech, would be unrestricted for the first time.

His preference would be to get a deal done early with the Panthers. Once the new CBA is announced - which could come as soon as Thursday - teams are expected to get three days to negotiate with their own free agents before they hit the open market.

The Panthers have more pressing free-agent decisions to make, beginning with defensive end Charles Johnson and tailback DeAngelo Williams. But Brian Mackler, Anderson's agent, said general manager Marty Hurney indicated before the lockout an interest in bringing Anderson back.

"James has expressed an interest to me to remain in Carolina. I'm going to do everything in my power with Marty to make that happen," Mackler said. "Marty expressed prior to the lockout that James is a priority. We'll work over the 72 hours to try to get that done. Otherwise, we'll have many other suitors."

After four seasons as a part-time player, Anderson stepped into the void created by injuries to linebackers Thomas Davis (knee) and Dan Connor (hip). Anderson finished second to middle linebacker Jon Beason for the team high in tackles, and his 3.5 sacks trailed only Johnson's 11.5.

"I've been in the league for a long time now, going into year six. I just had some experience, got an opportunity to get on the field, feel confident and play," Anderson said. "When you get that chance to go out there and play and all the guys are counting on you, you've got to step up and do your job."

The Panthers would boast a deep linebacking corps if they re-sign Anderson and Davis, who has said repeatedly he wants to remain in Charlotte. Anderson, the strongside starter, had a good meeting with first-year coach Ron Rivera before the lockout.

"I think he's going to bring some fire and experience from being in the league, and understanding what it takes to be in the league," Anderson said of Rivera, who played nine seasons with Chicago. "Being a linebacker, he's already good with me."

Davis, the weakside linebacker who is coming off two surgeries on his right knee, views Anderson as part of the core of a defense he believes can be dominant.

"I definitely hope that we can keep all of our guys here because I think we have a great nucleus. I think we have potential to be very good on defense," Davis said. "Just looking forward to the possibilities of us going out and dominating with our new defensive-minded coach and aggressive defensive coordinator" Sean McDermott.

Anderson, who will turn 28 in September, believes he is just hitting his stride.

"I just put my toes in the water" in 2010, he said. "We've got a lot of work to do. I've got a lot of goals I want to accomplish."

As for playing in the waters surrounding the Caribbean and Hawaiian islands, Anderson keeps it safe.

Asked if he snorkeled or did any scuba diving, Anderson said: "Nah, man. I love to enjoy life. I don't know about sharks and all that kind of stuff. I eat 'em. But I stay above the water."