Former Cal TE Stephen Anderson Leaves Chargers, Signs With Cardinals

One-time Golden Bears walk-on was an NFL free agent who agrees to one-year deal with Arizona

Former Cal standout Stephen Anderson has been a tight end for the Los Angeles Chargers for the past three seasons, but he announced on Monday that he will not be back with the team in 2022.

A few hours later, the Arizona Cardinals announced they signed Anderson to a one-year deal. Anderson became a free agent this offseason.

Thank you LA! It’s been a great couple of years but my time here has come to an end. Thanks to the coaches for the opportunity and the fans for all the love. To my teammates Ima miss everyone in the locker room. Take care of that ping pong table for me. Much love ✊🏾 pic.twitter.com/ZYWPED6cVR

— Stephen Anderson (@S_Anderson89) April 4, 2022

Anderson is one of several tight ends to sign with Arizona in the past month.

Zach Ertz agreed to a three-year deal with the Cardinals on March 13, and Maxx Williams agreed to a one-year contract with Arizona three days later. Ertz had 74 catches for 763 yards for the Eagles and Cardinals last season, and Williams had 16 receptions in the five games (all as a starter) he played for Arizona in 2021.

The Cardinals also have tight ends David Wells, Deon Yelder, Bernhard Seikovits and Alex Ellis under contract.

Never took the game for granted. Just went to work and waited for my opportunity. Thank you @azcardinals for that opportunity. I’ve never loved the game more and the chip on my shoulder has never been bigger. I can’t wait to get to work. Galations 6:9 #WalkOnMentality pic.twitter.com/ZTzyEHL58R

— Stephen Anderson (@S_Anderson89) April 4, 2022

Anderson has never been a regular starter in the NFL, but has provided needed depth at the tight end position. He has played in 62 games, including 12 starts, in his five-year NFL career. Undrafted out of Cal, Anderson played his first two seasons with the Houston Texans and the past three with the Chargers. He played in all 16 games in 2020, when he made three starts and caught eight passes for 106 yards. He played all 17 games this past season, when he started four games and had 16 receptions for 165 yards and one touchdown.

For his pro career, Anderson has 60 catches for 706 yards and three scores.

Anderson has been an important special-teams player throughout his pro career, and most of his snaps have come in that phase of the game.

The Chargers signed Gerald Everett to be their new primary pass-catching tight end. They also brought back Donald Parham and have Tre' McKitty entering his second season as a blocking tight end.

Anderson played at Cal from 2012 through 2015, making 101 catches for 1,260 yards and seven touchdowns in his college career. His best season was 2014, when he had 46 catches for 661 yards and five touchdowns when Sonny Dykes was Cal’s head coach.

Anderson came to Cal as a walk-on and played wide receiver for the Golden Bears, who did not really have a tight end position in Dykes’ spread offense.

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Cover photo of Stephen Anderson by Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports

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