In a season, Spencer Anderson could go from reporting as eligible to a full-time starter. Uniquely used as a do-it-all blocker in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ jumbo packages throughout the 2025 season, Anderson’s role could be more than part-time in 2026. With veteran Isaac Seumalo a pending free agent, GM Omar Khan hinted Anderson could be his replacement.
“Isaac’s been great,” Khan told reporters, including our own Joe Clark, on Tuesday when asked about the team’s left guard situation. “We’ve had some conversations with his people. Obviously, we’ll evaluate the free-agent class and the draft class.
“But Spencer Anderson, he played some, and we’re excited about his future. He came in and did some nice things for us this year. He’s another guy who’s gotten better and better every year.”
Anderson split his 2025 snaps between left guard (193) and as a tackle-eligible (160). Pittsburgh thrived in its big package of TE Darnell Washington and Anderson, clearing the way on the perimeter, an advantage the Steelers held that most others didn’t. Per the charting done by our Tom Mead, the Steelers averaged 4.9 yards per carry when Anderson was on the field. When he was off, the offense averaged just 4.3.
Plenty of offensive linemen get work as a sixth man, but Anderson’s athleticism allowed him to align like a fullback or even a wide receiver, creating entertaining run-game wrinkles. He even caught a pass.
When Isaac Seumalo missed time due to soft tissue injuries, Anderson got the nod at guard and held his own. Pittsburgh still used him in that sixth offensive lineman role, subbing in Andrus Peat to left guard for those moments Anderson kicked out.
During the season, Mike Tomlin once hinted at having big future plans for Anderson. Even with Tomlin gone, Khan seems to be just as optimistic.
Given Seumalo’s age, injury history, and likely high price tag given the offensive line “tax” paid for pending and true free agents, there’s a good chance he signs elsewhere. If so, Anderson is the clear favorite to assume his spot.
The Steelers could, and should, add competition. But Anderson has developed nicely from a seventh-round pick to a possible starter. He’s the forgotten offensive line “hit” during Khan’s tenure that’s focused so much on improving the trenches.
If Anderson starts and succeeds in the full-time role, he’ll be the team’s best seventh-round pick in a long time. The best since a fellow offensive lineman, Kelvin Beachum. The Steelers drafted him in 2012, and he is still in the NFL today.
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