The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially agreed to terms with Spencer Anderson on a rookie contract, according to a tweet by the Steelers on Friday.
The Steelers selected Anderson with the team’s last pick (No. 251) of the 2023 NFL Draft. Anderson is a 22-year-old versatile offensive lineman from the University of Maryland.
The exact details of Anderson’s contract are not available but Over The Cap estimated the four year deal to be worth $3.9 million with a signing bonus of about $77,000.
The Steelers found value all over the board and the selection of Anderson was no different. The 6-foot-5 lineman played at center, right guard, and both of the tackle positions throughout college. Anderson totaled 42 game appearances and over 30 career starts in his time at Maryland.
As a junior in 2021, Anderson earned a pass blocking grade of 86.6 by Pro Football Focus. This happened to be the best in the entirety of the Big Ten and 13th overall by all Power Five players.
Also in his junior year, Anderson blocked for an offense that shattered program records in passing yards, passing touchdowns, completions, completion percentage, and 300-yard passing games.
Anderson earned All-Big Ten Honorable Mention honors in 2021. In 2022, Pro Football Focus named Anderson to the Preseason All-Big Ten Second Team. Anderson also competed in the East-West Shrine Bowl after the collegiate season ended.
In his first year as a member of the Steelers, Anderson is more than likely to serve as Mason Cole’s backup at center while also being a swing guy.
Not all seventh-round draft picks end up making the NFL roster, but Anderson’s versatility and NFL frame will secure him a spot on the Steelers’ final 53-man roster.
Think of John Leglue and the important snaps he had to take in place of an injured B.J. Finney in 2021, Anderson will be playing in that role this upcoming season.