Cardinals Sign Tight End Stephen Anderson

Veteran provides depth behind Ertz, Williams

Apr 04, 2022 at 01:04 PM

Darren Urban

azcardinals.com

Tight end Stephen Anderson runs upfield after a catch last season while playing for the Chargers.

With the re-signings of Zach Ertz and Maxx Williams last month, the Cardinals settled the top of the tight end depth chart.

But with the Cardinals having all four of their tight ends hitting the end of their contracts after 2021 – Darrell Daniels and Demetrius Harris remain free agents – the team still needed bodies. They got one Monday when they signed former Charger Stephen Anderson to a one-year contract.

Anderson had 16 receptions for 165 yards and a touchdown in all 17 games for Los Angeles last season, his third with the Chargers. Before that, he spent a year on the Patriots' practice squad and two seasons before that with the Texans.

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

He has 60 catches for 706 yards and three scores since coming into the league in 2016 as an undrafted rookie with Houston.

Anderson is the seventh tight end on the roster (the Cardinals also have Deon Yelder, David Wells, Alex Ellis and Bernhard Seikovits.) But depending on Williams' recovery from his torn ACL, Anderson could figure into a bigger role, especially early in the season. Anderson is the only one with significant experience beyond Ertz and Williams.

The Cardinals are scheduled to begin their voluntary strength and conditioning program on April 19.