Pittsburgh Review

The Pittsburgh Steelers have taken significant steps to address their roster needs ahead of the 2025 NFL season. Among these moves is the re-signing of offensive tackle Calvin Anderson, who some may overlook but who holds a crucial position on the team.

Anderson, 29, although not a star, has appeared in 50 career games, with 14 starts. As a natural left tackle, he fills a key gap in the Steelers' roster. The team’s current offensive line includes Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu at tackles, with Isaac Seumalo, Mason McCormick at guards, and Zach Frazier at center. However, these positions are not set in stone, as there are uncertainties with both Jones and Fautanu's adaptability on the left side due to their limited experience in the NFL.

Head coach Mike Tomlin addressed this uncertainty at the NFL meetings, indicating that he seeks to foster competition among the potential starters. "I feel like we have some guys that are certainly capable of the role," Tomlin stated. "But to say that as I sit here today, would be untrue. I don't know who I'm going to end up with or who I'm going to be in position to consider."

Anderson may not unseat the current tackles but is expected to contribute as a swing tackle, a versatile role he played last season. This ensures that the Steelers are not compelled to draft an offensive tackle, thus broadening their draft focus. Steelers General Manager Omar Khan recently expressed satisfaction with the team's draft strategy. "Our goal is always to put ourselves in a position where we don't have to take a guy at a specific position," he said.

At the quarterback position, the Steelers are evaluating draft prospects but are not fixated on drafting one early. The team has Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson on the roster but expects to bring along two more quarterbacks for training camp.

Speculation often surrounds player social media activity, with recent attention on T.J. Watt’s Instagram post speculating he might consider leaving Pittsburgh. However, Watt was clear about his intentions. "I want to be a Pittsburgh Steeler, you guys know that," he said. Both GM Khan and Tomlin expressed optimism about Watt’s future with the team.

Additionally, with the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, there have been no first-round pick trades, echoing a rare precedent from 1993. While this may change, the draft is noted for depth in certain positions, such as edge rusher and defensive tackle, aligning with the Steelers' needs. The team is also positioned to gain compensatory picks in 2025, which Khan noted as being part of their strategic plan.