The Pittsburgh Steelers have decided to release veteran offensive tackle Calvin Anderson this offseason, according to Mike DeFabo. The move will save the team $2 million in cap space for 2026 after Anderson suffered a season-ending injury during practice in the previous season.
Calvin Anderson’s Career Path Through Multiple NFL Teams
Calvin Anderson, 30, initially signed with the New England Patriots in 2019 as an undrafted free agent out of Texas but was waived shortly after. The New York Jets claimed him but eventually waived him at the conclusion of the preseason. Anderson then joined the Jets’ practice squad before the Denver Broncos added him to their active roster a month later.
Denver retained Anderson on an exclusive rights free agent contract in 2021 and brought him back with a one-year deal in 2022. He later signed a two-year contract with the Patriots before being released ahead of the 2024 season. Pittsburgh picked him up in September 2024, subsequently re-signing him to a two-year agreement in April 2025. During that year, Anderson appeared in nine games for the Steelers.
Financial and Team Implications of the Release
The decision to cut Anderson helps the Steelers create salary cap flexibility for the upcoming seasons as he was sidelined due to injury. This release follows a challenging season for Anderson and reflects the team’s effort to manage roster resources effectively. The move also highlights the transient nature of NFL careers and the impact of injuries on veteran players.
The Steelers are planning to release OT Calvin Anderson, per source. They’ll save $2M of his $2.415 cap hit in 2026.
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) February 28, 2026
