Steelers’ Omar Khan Shares That Pittsburgh Signed A Secret Weapon At Cornerback After The Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers have concluded a draft that garnered widespread acclaim from pundits across the league. As the season inches closer and team rosters begin to take shape, speculation abounds regarding Omar Khan's ongoing efforts. 

Rumors have swirled about potential deals with prominent playmakers, although no concrete developments have emerged thus far. Nonetheless, Khan has remained active, participating in several interviews to shed light on the team's plans.

On Tuesday, Khan made a notable appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, offering insights into the team's draft strategy and future endeavors. Continuing his engagement with the media, he also joined the Randy Baumann and the DVE Morning Show on Wednesday morning. 

During these discussions, Khan not only reflected on the recent draft but also unveiled a significant post-draft acquisition: the signing of Beanie Bishop Jr., touted as one of the league's best-kept secrets in undrafted free agency. 

“Yeah, Beanie Bishop. I can't tell you how excited we were to have an opportunity to sign Beanie Bishop after the draft. We had him here for a visit. When he was here, we talked about our defense and how he would fit in. We really felt like he was a guy that could come in here and compete.” 

Khan provided clarity on the role the Steelers have in mind for Bishop in the upcoming 2024 season. He emphasized that Bishop will be given an opportunity to compete for the nickel corner position, highlighting his potential to make a significant impact in that role. Additionally, Khan highlighted Bishop's considerable value on special teams, further underscoring the team's confidence in his abilities despite going undrafted.

Expanding on Bishop's role, Khan reiterated his potential to contribute across multiple facets of the game.

“We were able to do business with him after the draft. I think he's going to have a great opportunity at nickel to help us this year. He has great special teams value.”

Bishop's addition to the Steelers' roster is a calculated move aimed at fortifying the team's depth and talent reservoir. While his signing may have slipped under the radar, it serves as a testament to the organization's unwavering dedication to acquiring top-tier talent outside of the traditional draft process.

As the offseason unfolds, Steelers fans are eagerly awaiting further developments under Khan's leadership. Each interview and potential signing adds layers to the team's narrative, intensifying excitement and speculation as the new season approaches.

Khan's assessment suggests that the Steelers already boast solid depth at the cornerback position, particularly in the nickel role. However, he underscores Bishop's potential to compete and contribute in various capacities, further bolstering the team's defensive arsenal.

Steelers’ Beanie Bishop Set To Impact The Team In 2024

The notion of an undrafted free agent making a significant impact on a team is uncommon, but not unheard of. Jaylen Warren, the Steelers' running back, emerged as a prime example, earning his spot on the team despite going undrafted. This precedent suggests that the organization holds a similar belief in Bishop's potential, hoping he can carve out a role as a rookie in the 2024 season.

Bishop's performance at West Virginia in 2023 speaks volumes about his capabilities. Leading the team in interceptions with four, he earned recognition as a Big 12 first-teamer, showcasing his prowess with 67 tackles and 54 solo stops. His instrumental role in the Mountaineers' defense, coupled with his knack for disrupting plays and his dynamic presence on the field, solidifies his candidacy as a promising prospect.

Undrafted and fueled by a desire to prove himself, Bishop enters the Steelers' fold with a chip on his shoulder. The organization's confidence in him stems from his impressive track record and potential to excel at the professional level. As the Steelers have seen in the past with players like Warren, Bishop could very well be the next undrafted free agent to shine brightly in Pittsburgh.