After redshirting his first year at Alabama in 2012, Anderson played in all 13 games in 2013 and had 1.5 sacks. As a sophomore in 2014, he played in all 14 games, recording 25 tackles and three sacks. As a junior in 2015, he had 37 tackles and six sacks.[3][4][5] He returned to Alabama for his senior year in 2016.[6] As a senior, Anderson recorded 61 tackles, 8.5 sacks, one interception, three forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, three pass deflections and a defensive touchdown.[7]
Anderson received an invitation to the Senior Bowl, but was unable to play in the game after he dislocated his thumb during the first day of practice.[10] He attended the NFL Combine and decided to not perform the short shuttle, broad jump, bench press, and three-cone drill. Anderson also participated at Alabama's Pro Day, but opted to only perform the three-cone and positional drills. He was projected to be a second to fourth round pick by several analysts.[11][12][13]
Washington Redskins / Football Team
The Washington Redskins selected Anderson in the second round (49th overall) of the 2017 NFL draft.[14] On May 11, 2017, the Redskins signed Anderson to a four-year, $5.32 million contract with $2.71 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $2.01 million.[15] Along with being a backup outside linebacker behind starters Ryan Kerrigan and Preston Smith, Anderson took offensive snaps at fullback during his rookie season.[16]
Anderson (left) in a game against the New York Giants in 2019
In Week 13 of the 2019 season, Anderson got his first career start against the Carolina Panthers as a replacement for Ryan Kerrigan, who suffered a concussion the previous game. Anderson was ejected in that game due to a helmet-to-helmet hit he inflicted on tight endGreg Olsen.[17] The next game against the Green Bay Packers, he recorded a strip sack against quarterbackAaron Rodgers as well as recovered the fumble.[18] Anderson would be named a starter before Week 15 after Kerrigan was placed on injured reserve. In his second start against the Philadelphia Eagles, Anderson had a dominating performance recording two sacks and three force fumbles.[19] Anderson was placed on injured reserve on December 12, 2020,[20] and left the team via free agency the following offseason.
New York Giants
Anderson signed a one-year, $1.13 million contract with the New York Giants on March 25, 2021.[21][22] On August 28, 2021, Anderson was suspended for the first six games of the 2021 season due to violating the NFL's policy on performance enhancing substances.[23] He was released two days later.[24]
Pittsburgh Steelers
On September 13, 2022, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed Anderson to their practice squad.[25] He was promoted to the active roster on October 8.[26] He was released on November 8.[27]
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