Steelers' Quick Release Of Beanie Bishop Jr. Could Me Much More Than Fans Think

The Pittsburgh Steelers are prepared to potentially make a move before Tuesday's trade deadline. The team could be looking to further strengthen its roster. After watching his team secure a huge 27-20 win over the AFC-leading Indianapolis Colts on Sunday at Acrisure Stadium, General Manager Omar Khan might be looking to take advantage of his team being in first place in the AFC North at 5-3. On Monday, Khan made a couple of minor, yet intriguing tweaks to the roster.

Second-year cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. was released from the practice squad while veteran pass-catcher Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who was teammates with quarterback Aaron Rodgers as members of the Green Bay Packers for four seasons (2018-2021), was reported to sign onto the practice squad. 

After these two transactions, it has to be wondered if the organization will make any more moves. Before Pittsburgh's win over the Colts on Sunday, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Steelers were interested in adding wide receiver help before the deadline.

Rapoport also noted that some potential wide receiver trade targets could be Jakobi Meyers of the Las Vegas Raiders, Rashid Shaheed of the New Orleans Saints, and Jaylen Waddle of the Miami Dolphins. Still, the Steelers opted to add the veteran Valdes-Scantling after making the move to cut ties with Bishop. Could this be the only wide receiver move that Pittsburgh ends up making? Is this the only aspect that will come from the release of Bishop?

The Steelers don't need to give up any draft capital like they would if they wanted to trade for a top-level wide receiver, and they gain even more experience in the wide receiver room, especially if Valdes-Scantling ends up being promoted to the active roster in the coming days. The two-time Super Bowl champion is in his eighth NFL season and is averaging over 17.0 yards per reception in his career. He is the definition of a big-play threat.

Steelers Have A Way To Make Valdes-Scantling Fit In The Offense

Seeing as the 31-year-old receiver is now going to his fifth team in the last two seasons, he isn't exactly an elite player. However, if promoted, his connection with Rodgers could prove to be quite vital in Pittsburgh's offense. In all four of his seasons in Green Bay with Rodgers, Valdes-Scantling averaged over 15.0 yards per catch. 

His best statistical season came in 2020 when he caught 33 passes for 690 yards and six touchdowns. That same season, his mark of 20.9 yards per reception led the NFL. Even though he is now older, he could still perform a similar role for offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and co. Again, he has to get promoted to the active roster first.

In Smith's offense, the Steelers like using every single player available to them at wide receiver, right end, and running back. Pro Bowl wide receiver DK Metcalf is the team's top pass-catcher (467 yards). 

Then, there are role players behind him, such as Calvin Austin III and emerging receiver Roman Wilson. Rodgers also enjoys utilizing his four tight ends on the roster. Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward, and Jonnu Smith have each had their moments this season, both blocking and receiving. 

Starting running back Jaylen Warren is an absolute workhorse when he gets the ball in his hands. This might not be an offense that is filled with All-Pro players and superstars, but it is filled with players who have performed well in their specific roles through the first half of the season. The release of Bishop to make way for Valdes-Scantling could give Pittsburgh another key playmaker, especially down the field.  

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