Steelers Release Veteran OT

What This Means For Steelers

With Anderson gone, the offensive line situation in Pittsburgh becomes even less certain. The team enters the 2026 season with just three guaranteed starters in Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick and Troy Fautanu. Dylan Cook took over the left tackle spot following Broderick Jones’s season-ending neck injury, but it’s not a guarantee that he returns to the starting role next year. The left guard spot is also up for grabs, as last year’s starter, Isaac Seumalo, is an unrestricted free agent who is not expected to return.

The move is the first major offseason move for the organization, and is sure to be followed many more. The team previously had just over $45 million in available salary cap space, but will now have just over $47 million with the release of Anderson.

An Endorsement of Cook?

While the team is waiting for certainty surrounding Jones’s recovery process, this decision to release Anderson means that they have just two tackles under contract in Jones and Cook. While Cook has not been named the starter in Pittsburgh, his importance and value to the organization has increased. General manager Omar Khan spoke glowingly about the veteran swing tackle at the NFL Draft Combine, and this roster decision only reinforces the team’s growing belief in Cook.

”Dylan did a really good job for us when he had to come,” Khan said. “He really did. I wasn’t surprised, because I’ve seen his work ethic and how important it is to him. He’s got that quarterback background. I think that helped him. I think he’s a good player. He stepped in and I think, played at a good level.”