The Buffalo Bills are re-signing veteran offensive lineman Alec Anderson to a reported one-year deal less than a month before the start of free agency.
Anderson was a restricted free agent, and teams could have entered the bidding on the 26-year-old if he had reached free agency. Instead, Anderson is taking a one-year deal worth a reported $3 million with $1.8 million in guaranteed money. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport was the first to report the deal.
Anderson has been with the Bills since 2022, when he signed as an undrafted free agent out of UCLA. He’s played every position on the offensive line in Buffalo and most notably served as the jumbo tight end in the Bills’ big personnel package over the past two seasons.
In 2025, Anderson made two starts and played a critical role in a December win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. He filled in for starter right tackle Spencer Brown and helped the Bills rush for a season-high 249 yards.
Starting center Connor McGovern and left guard David Edwards are both free agents. There is expected to be a competitive market for both Bills’ starters, and each could earn north of $16 million per season. If either or both players sign with other teams, Anderson will likely be in line to replace them at either center or left guard in 2026.
McGovern was injured for 15 snaps against the Denver Broncos in the AFC divisional round game, and Anderson replaced him at center.
The Bills are bringing back most of the offensive coaches under new head coach Joe Brady from last year’s staff. One major change is at the offensive line coach position, where Buffalo replaced Aaron Kromer, who retired at the end of last season, with veteran coach Pat Meyer. Anderson gives Meyer a versatile piece on the line.