Successful Sequel? Patriots OL Calvin Anderson Back For Second Stint
FOXBORO — Veteran offensive lineman Calvin Anderson is intent on making the most of his second tour of duty with the New England Patriots.
The former Texas Longhorn joined the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Patriots in 2019. Unfortunately, his stay in New England lasted only 11 days as he was released by the team to accommodate the arrivals of offensive tackle Jared Veldheer and wide receiver Dontrelle Inman.
Four years later, Anderson has returned to the club, signing a two-year, $7 million contract with the Patriots in March. While many would be content to harbor some degree of ill will regarding the situation, the 27-year-old chose to use it as a true learning experience.
"It’s kind of a funny story looking back," Anderson told reporters on Thursday at Gillette Stadium. "I can make some humor of it now. At the time, I was a little going crazy. But as a rookie, you’ve got to learn the ropes somehow, and I ended up benefiting from learning that the NFL is a business really quick."
Following his brief stint with the Pats, Anderson was swiftly claimed by the New York Jets. He remained with New York until being signed off their practice squad by the Denver Broncos. Throughout the next four seasons, Andreson saw action in 41 games making 12 starts.
Anderson’s best season came in 2022, where he played on 47 percent of the Broncos’ offensive snaps — most of which came at left tackle. Per Pro Football Focus, he gave up two sacks last season as well as 15 additional quarterback pressures.
Still, Anderson's short-lived stay in New England left a profound impression on him. In fact, the lessons he learned in the hallways of Gillette Stadium stayed with him during his time with both the Jets and Broncos.
“I think there was a very big first impression with the ‘Do Your Job’ slogan,” said Anderson. “That’s something you just take. I think anybody that comes here will tell you that — the idea of doing your job — and I think you carry it through. Even though we didn’t say those specific words wherever else I was, the idea of doing your job and how important that was, I think it always gives you a leg up to guys who maybe don’t understand that other place.”
Anderson is expected to compete for a starting role along the Patriots offensive line, New England’s line struggled to maintain continuity for much of the 2022 season. With $4 million of his salary guaranteed for 2023, Anderson seems to be a safe bet to earn at least a swing spot on a depth chart which includes incumbent Trent Brown, veterans Riley Reiff, Conor McDermott, James Ferentz and potentially rookie Sidy Sow.
Though Anderson may no longer hold any hard feelings, his experience as an undrafted rookie -- including his release by New England -- has served as motivation.
"I’d say it made the chip on my shoulder bigger,” Anderson said. “You always have a chip on your shoulder going undrafted. I think I had to have a chip on my shoulder leaving this place. I tried to take what I learned. I came back with much more of a business mentality ... I went off, created some value, and now I’m back, hopefully to give that value back to the Patriots.”
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