Steelers Fortify Offensive Line By Bringing Back Veteran Tackle

The Pittsburgh Steelers don’t know who exactly will be their starting quarterback next season. But they want that quarterback to be well protected.

The Steelers announced on Monday they signed veteran offensive tackle Calvin Anderson to a two-year deal. He’ll provide tackle depth behind starting left tackle Broderick Jones, who the Steelers took 14th overall in 2023, and right tackle Troy Fautanu, who was a 2024 first-round pick.

Anderson, 29, appeared in four games for the Steelers last season, but was placed on the reserve/injured list after Pittsburgh’s Week 10 game against the Washington Commanders due to a groin strain. Anderson was sidelined until Pittsburgh’s AFC playoff wild-card game against the Baltimore Ravens.

The last couple of seasons have been a battle for Anderson. He nearly lost his life after contracting malaria in summer 2023 following a philanthropic trip to Nigeria. Anderson still played in five games for the New England Patriots that year, but sustained a heart contusion during a mid-season practice which put an end to his campaign.

Anderson, who stands at 6-foot-5 and 305 pounds, played double-digit games in each of his first three seasons in the NFL with the Denver Broncos. He started a career-high seven games in 2022 for the Broncos before hitting free agency.

Anderson is a solid backup option and gives the Steelers some insurance up front for whenever an injury occurs to the offensive line.