Steelers Cut Two Players After Draft to Make Room for Rookies

Pittsburgh, PA – May 1, 2025. The Pittsburgh Steelers have released veteran running back Cordarrelle Patterson and offensive tackle Calvin Anderson, sources confirmed to ESPN Friday. The post-draft cuts, announced after a seven-player haul in the 2025 NFL Draft, aim to clear roster spots for incoming rookies and bolster the team’s cap space.

Patterson, 34, and Anderson, 29, were expendable after Pittsburgh drafted running back Kaleb Johnson and defensive stars like Derrick Harmon. The moves free up $4.3 million in cap space, per Spotrac, allowing general manager Omar Khan to integrate rookies and pursue free agents to address lingering quarterback and secondary needs.

We’re shaping our future, Khan told Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Ray Fittipaldo.

Patterson, signed to a two-year, $6 million deal in 2024, posted 134 rushing yards and 370 return yards last season. With Johnson joining Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell, the four-time All-Pro’s $3.7 million cap hit became a luxury Pittsburgh’s $2 million cap couldn’t afford, making his release a no-brainer.

Patterson’s role was redundant now, a team source said.

Anderson, a backup tackle with a $2 million cap hit, saw no starts in 2024, overshadowed by Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu. Cutting the journeyman, who joined via a two-year, $4 million deal, saves $1.5 million, enabling the Steelers to retain Lecitus Smith as a cheaper swing tackle option.

Anderson didn’t fit our plans, coach Mike Tomlin told reporters.

The Steelers’ draft class, featuring Johnson, Harmon, and quarterback Will Howard, signals a youth movement. Fan posts on X praised the cuts, with Steeler Nation eager to see rookies like edge rusher Jack Sawyer and cornerback Donte Kent compete for spots, bolstering a roster eyeing a playoff breakthrough.

Rookies deserve their shot, a fan posted on X.

With $4.3 million added to their cap, Pittsburgh can now target free agents like Cam Sutton to deepen the secondary. As Khan navigates an eight-year playoff win drought, these cuts pave the way for a revitalized Steelers squad ready to shine in 2025.