Steelers Officially Cut Veteran OT Calvin Anderson

The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially cut veteran offensive tackle Calvin Anderson. Pittsburgh designated him for release on Monday’s league transactions sheet, an expected move after The Athletic Mike DeFabo reported Anderson’s release over the weekend.

Anderson is the first veteran cut of the Mike McCarthy era.

Releasing Anderson creates $2 million in cap savings prior to roster displacement. He was due a $500,000 roster bonus on March 13. Pittsburgh will accrue $415,000 in 2026 dead money.

Signed to a two-year deal ahead of the 2025 season, Anderson spent part of the year as the team’s top swing tackle. Though he appeared in nine games, he logged just 23 total offensive snaps. All came while replacing Broderick Jones in a Week 12 loss to the Chicago Bears.

Anderson suffered a season-ending leg/knee injury in practice following the team’s Week 13 loss to the Buffalo Bills. He was placed on injured reserve. Humorously, he still once watched a Steelers’ game from home in full gear while recovering from his surgery.

A strong spirit for a person who has fought through plenty of adversity throughout his career. He contracted and nearly died from malaria in 2023. Later that year, he suffered a heart contusion while practicing with the New England Patriots.

Turning 30 later this month, Anderson has appeared in 59 career games with 14 starts. Most of that time came with the Denver Broncos and Patriots. In Pittsburgh, Anderson made 13 appearances, all coming off the bench. In total, he played 34 offensive snaps.

Leaning on his experience and versatility, Anderson will look to latch on with a new team.

With Broderick Jones’ neck injury, Andrus Peat’s pending free agency and Anderson’s release, the Steelers are thin at offensive tackle. Pittsburgh figures to replenish depth by re-signing Peat or adding a veteran once the new league year begins. The team could also draft a tackle. Dylan Cook, who played well in relief of Jones last season, may enter training camp as the team’s starter at left tackle.