Steelers Will Likely Hand Out An Unexpected Contract Extension During Training Camp

The Pittsburgh Steelers have already made some important contract extensions throughout the course of the 2026 offseason. The 2023 draft class will be due for some money next year, and the front office has already locked up two vital players. Edge rusher Nick Herbig and tight end Darnell Washington inked their deals to remain with the team; however, there are still some extensions awaiting. The headlining talent from the class is cornerback Joey Porter Jr., who has gradually become one of the league's best at his position. The Steelers brass nailed this draft, and while that's always a great thing, it will end up costing them big money to re-sign everyone. 

All of these players have had a huge impact on the success that the Steelers have had over the past few seasons. This draft class, top to bottom, has had impactful players who have earned these lucrative deals. However, the job is still not over. Multiple players like defensive lineman Keeanu Benton and versatile offensive lineman Spencer Anderson are still in search of extensions too. Pittsburgh is known for getting these deals done throughout training camp and as the offseason progresses. They typically do not reengage in talks until after the regular season, however. 

Since 2026 training camp is approaching in Latrobe, PA, it wouldn't be a shock to see one of these stars earn the money they're looking for with the Black and Gold. There is one player who isn't being talked about enough when it comes to getting a deal done soon too. Steelers writer Nick Farabaugh spoke of the team's most surprising, but likely, candidate for a new contract during camp in a segment on 93.7 The Fan. 

"One surprising candidate I could see coming out of the shadows is Spencer Anderson. He's a sixth offensive lineman who could be the starting right guard this year. If he ends up winning the job and they really like how he goes about his work, we could see a cheaper kind of extension. Anderson is the type of guy who makes a lot of sense for an extension," Farabaugh said. 

Anderson came on the scene as a seventh-rounder who became a fringe roster player to an extent. He proved really valuable as an extra lineman in jumbo packages, and he can play any position on the line. His versatility is what makes him so vital to a team, as he can spot-start anywhere. He now enters new territory, where he could earn a true starting spot in training camp at right guard. This will play a huge part in his contract negotiations with the front office. 

Anderson will have to battle it out with free agent addition Brock Hoffman, who is a similar to Anderson in play style. Both are veterans who can play multiple positions, but it will all come down to who emerges out of the last part of the offseason as the better player to handle a starting job. Should Anderson win the job, that will only drive his price up, but it could be worth it considering Anderson's consistent improvement.

Should The Steelers Really Extend Anderson?

It seems like a low-risk, high-reward situation to give Anderson a new contract. Unless the number is astronomical, it would make sense regardless of whether Anderson is a long-term starter for the team. No matter what, he's still a very effective extra lineman and really valuable depth if an injury occurs anywhere on the line. 

Though Porter may be of higher importance, a nice deal to keep the team's most versatile lineman would be a good use of cap space. This ensures that the line can stay productive.

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