Steelers And Dolphins Could Now Become Trade Partners Again

The Pittsburgh Steelers were very happy to be able to do business with undrafted free agent Beanie Bishop Jr. after the 2024 NFL Draft. Bishop didn’t get to hear his name called during the seven rounds of the draft, but he quickly proved the doubters wrong by making an impact as a rookie in Pittsburgh. 

He recorded four interceptions, played in every game, and earned six starts throughout the season, showing poise and playmaking ability against top competition. For a player who came into the league without much fanfare, Bishop turned into one of the Steelers’ most pleasant surprises of the year. That success has now put him in a very different position heading into 2025. 

With the Steelers making several key improvements to their secondary, including new additions through both trade and free agency, Bishop’s role on the field is no longer guaranteed to be as large as it was last season. Instead, his strong rookie year has created real value for Pittsburgh in another way. NFL.com Lead Draft Writer Eric Edholm recently highlighted Bishop as a critical trade piece for the Steelers, someone who could draw attention from other teams in need of secondary help.

"Last year, Bishop was quite the find -- an undrafted free agent who played all 17 games, started six and plucked four INTs (including two vs. current teammate Aaron Rodgers). At worst, it appeared Bishop had a nice future in Pittsburgh," Edholm wrote. "But the Steelers signed Darius Slay and Brandin Echols and traded for Jalen Ramsey this offseason, pushing Bishop to the margins."

Edholm believes that Bishop is sought after enough to generate a proper return, making him a valuable trade piece. 

The Steelers made moves to shore up their depth ahead of the 2025 season, and now Bishop may be expendable.

"With multiple players already capable of playing the nickel, Bishop might be expendable," Edholm said. "DB Coach Teryl Austin recently said Bishop needed to 'fight and work to get some splash to get in the picture.' It wouldn't be stunning if the Steelers floated him in a trade."

For Pittsburgh, that presents an opportunity. The Steelers have roster needs elsewhere, and leveraging Bishop’s sudden rise in value could give General Manager Omar Khan more flexibility to make a deal that strengthens the team for a playoff push. 

While it would be difficult to part ways with a young player who proved himself on the field, the NFL is often about timing and opportunity. If Bishop’s trade stock is at its highest, Pittsburgh may decide to cash in and turn last year’s undrafted rookie gem into an asset that brings back immediate help in another area of the roster.

Steelers Could Trade Beanie Bishop Jr. To The Miami Dolphins

The Steelers have already done business with the Miami Dolphins in the 2025 offseason. That was when Khan sent star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to Miami in return for tight end Jonnu Smith and cornerback Jalen Ramsey. On Monday, the Dolphins released veteran nickelback Mike Hilton, creating a need at that position. They could be trade partners with the Steelers if Khan decides it’s time to move Bishop.

With 53-man rosters being trimmed down, Steelers fans should soon find out if Bishop will remain part of the team or what will actually happen to him. There are a lot of moving pieces that still need to be settled as the 2025 NFL season officially inches closer, and Bishop’s future could play a key role in the team’s roster decisions.

Do you want to see the Steelers make a quick move to trade away Bishop? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.

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