The Pittsburgh Steelers finalized their 53-man roster on Tuesday, which is always a day that is full of tough decisions for coaches and front offices around the NFL. Fans often question certain decisions made during this time, and one of those questionable moves by Pittsburgh was the organization releasing Beanie Bishop Jr. Bishop is beloved by the fan base and recorded four interceptions during his rookie year in 2024, yet the franchise still decided to move on from him as it released him on Tuesday.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. (31) participates in the Organized Team Activities (OTAs), Tuesday May 27, 2025 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
Bishop was released to waivers where he could have been claimed by any team in the league, but he made it through the waiver wire. This essentially means that no other team around the league had a need for him, and he is now going to be returning to Pittsburgh on the practice squad. He will be eligible to be elevated for games, and he will be practicing with the team. Tom Pelissero was the first to report the news.
The #Steelers are re-signing DB Beanie Bishop Jr. to the practice squad after he cleared waivers, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 27, 2025
The fan base was very upset after the news broke that Bishop was going to be released, but the people in Pittsburgh get to take a sigh of relief as he cleared waivers and is being brought back. Pittsburgh upgraded the secondary throughout the 2025 offseason, so Bishop not being on the roster in 2025 was always a possibility. He struggled at times, so him being released and brought back to the practice squad should not be a surprise.
Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Beanie Bishop Jr. during mandatory minicamp in 2025.
Bishop was put in a rare position as a rookie. He was an undrafted free agent, yet his roster spot going into the 2024 season seemed like a lock, as did his job being the starting slot cornerback. He was picked on by opposing offenses earlier in the year, but he seemed to improve as the season went on. He came up with big plays for the Steelers as he was second on the team in interceptions (4), and he also seems to be a joy to have in the locker room and around the team.
The second-year cornerback did not log any snaps during the preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers, which many fans thought was odd considering the fact that he and Brandin Echols seemed to be locked in a position battle. Echols has won that battle, but some speculated that Bishop was being held out at the end of the preseason due to him being a possible trade piece. It is unclear if any teams had any interest in trading for Bishop, but he is now back in Pittsburgh for the foreseeable future.
Steelers' Beanie Bishop Jr. Needs To Cement Himself In Other Areas
Part of the reason Bishop lost the position battle with Echols is probably that Bishop lacks positional versatility. Echols can play on the outside and in the slot, which is something that Bishop just cannot do due to his size. He needs to find a way to be valuable in other areas if he wants to have a long career in the NFL where he is consistently on an active roster.
Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Beanie Bishop Jr. looks on during a game against the New York Jets on Sunday Night Football.
He can also find a way to make an impact on special teams, which is something the coaching staff in Pittsburgh values. He will probably be activated at some points throughout the season, and his real-game experience might be valuable for Pittsburgh as a depth piece.
Bishop will be able to continue to develop and learn from the veterans ahead of him on the roster in Pittsburgh. There is still a chance he could be a legitimate player in black and gold.
What do you think of Pittsburgh bringing back Bishop? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
