Reunion Possible For Steelers As Former Starting Cornerback Now Becomes Available

The Pittsburgh Steelers are starting 2026 training camp with three defensive backs on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Donte Kent, Jalen Ramsey and Joey Porter Jr. will all be sidelined for the time being. That will give some other guys plenty of opportunities to prove themselves; at least, early on. The organization could also look to bring in someone who could prove to be valuable in some way, shape or form while the others recover. General Manager Omar Khan was likely paying close attention to the waiver wire on Tuesday afternoon after teams around the league were involved with numerous transactions.

There are always tons of transactions at this time of year. Players come and go, injuries occur, and front offices around the league are always looking for ways to get creative. Sometimes, one man's trash is another man's treasure. General managers throughout the NFL live by that saying, particularly in late July and August when something simply doesn't work out elsewhere.

Pittsburgh has never been very shy when it comes to having familiarity with players and bringing them back for another go-around in the Steel City. That could once again be the case after some news broke coming from the New Orleans Saints. A former Steelers player who started six games in 2024 is available after being let go with training camp underway.

The Steelers aren't necessarily looking for any starting cornerbacks right now, but with three unable to practice, it would make sense to make some kind of addition to the positional group. Beanie Bishop Jr. was wildly inconsistent during his time with Pittsburgh; however, he did have a breakout game when he intercepted Aaron Rodgers twice while facing off versus the New York Jets.

If Khan and co. are interested in bringing in someone to essentially be a camp body, Bishop might make a lot of sense. He was released by the team in late August of 2025 after not performing well enough in training camp. Now, he could get another chance to compete in Pittsburgh. This would be something that the organization could find intriguing, especially because it could help the young defender put some more tape out there potentially.

Bishop's professional career wasn't always this gloomy. He was actually named the NFL Rookie of the Month in 2024 after having an outstanding stretch of play.

He certainly has some play left in him, but he will need some kind of opportunity. That could come in Steelers camp if Khan decides to reach out and offer him at least a spot in the practices. The biggest challenge that Bishop is facing is a current suspension. He is allowed to participate in training camp and preseason matchups, but will be ineligible for the first three weeks of the regular season.

The only thing he is probably looking for now is a chance to show that he can still compete at the professional level. While he might not be available until late September, he certainly wants to participate in exhibition matchups so that he can prove he still has what it takes. The Steelers seem like a potential landing spot, specifically because of the history the two parties have with one another.

Steelers Could Wait For Bishop To Clear Waivers

Pittsburgh might not put in a claim for Bishop, but if he clears the process and ends up as a free agent, it might not hurt to reach out and bring him in. Again, it's hard to possibly waste a spot in practice for a guy who is suspended; however, once one of the injured defensive backs returns, the open spot on the practice field in that specific area will go away. Then, Bishop could be looking for a new home once again.

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