Despite the intense speculation and buzz surrounding a possible signing of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the Pittsburgh Steelers took a different route on Monday, making a surprising move that caught many off guard. Rather than bringing in the high-profile former New York Jets quarterback, the Steelers instead chose to re-sign offensive lineman Calvin Anderson to a two-year deal, as reported by Around the NFL.
Calvin Anderson, a veteran offensive lineman, has been part of the NFL since 2019. His journey through the league has seen him play for several teams, including the New England Patriots, New York Jets, and Denver Broncos. Initially drafted by the Patriots in 2019, Anderson was waived in the same year before eventually finding opportunities with other franchises. Most recently, he returned to New England in 2023 on a two-year deal. Over the course of his career, Anderson has appeared in 50 games and has started in 14 of them. His versatility and experience provide depth to the Steelers’ offensive line, which has been an area of focus for the team.
While the move to re-sign Anderson was unexpected, it comes amid a swirl of rumors and media attention focused on the Steelers’ alleged pursuit of Rodgers. Ever since the star quarterback became a free agent following his departure from the Jets, Pittsburgh has been repeatedly mentioned as a top contender for his next team. Reports have claimed that the organization was aggressively working behind the scenes to secure Rodgers as their next starting quarterback.
Fueling the speculation further, Steelers owner Art Rooney II made comments last week that hinted at a major acquisition, which many interpreted as confirmation that Rodgers was on his way to Pittsburgh. Adding to the drama, there were even rumors that ESPN personality Pat McAfee — host of The Pat McAfee Show and a close friend of Rodgers — was invited to attend what some believed would be Rodgers’ official signing announcement.
However, the Steelers’ decision to sign Calvin Anderson instead seems to temporarily close the chapter on the Rodgers rumors, at least for now. While Anderson is not a marquee name like Rodgers, his addition addresses a more practical team need — reinforcing the offensive line — which could be crucial regardless of who ends up under center next season.
The unexpected nature of this signing is a reminder that NFL teams often move behind the scenes in ways the public doesn’t see coming. It also suggests that while the Steelers may still be interested in Rodgers, they are not putting all their eggs in one basket and are working to solidify other parts of the roster in the meantime.
Whether Pittsburgh is still in play for Rodgers or not, their offseason moves indicate a team trying to balance splashy opportunities with steady, strategic improvements. Calvin Anderson may not have made headlines like Rodgers, but his signing reflects the Steelers’ broader goals for team stability and long-term success.
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