Steelers' Starter From 2024 In Danger Of Being Cut

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been in a lot of headlines throughout the 2025 season regarding the team's offense. There are several new faces that have joined the unit, with Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf leading the way. The defense has also been revamped, particularly in the secondary. If healthy, the group has the chance to be the best in the NFL, especially after the trade that brought in Jalen Ramsey. Due to the plethora of moves by the front office, some individuals that saw significant playing time in 2024 may be fighting for their spots on the initial 53-man roster in 2025.

Ramsey is expected to act as the ultimate hybrid player for the Steelers. He could line up on the outside, in the slot, or at safety. His versatility will allow Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin to get extremely creative. This has the fan base excited for the unit's potential, but it also means that certain players may not get the opportunities that they were originally expecting to have.

Pittsburgh dealt with injuries to the secondary in 2024, as well as a suspension of Cameron Sutton. This gave then-undrafted rookie free agent, Beanie Bishop Jr., the chance to prove himself. While he had some moments, including two interceptions against Rodgers' New York Jets, he had plenty of inconsistencies along the way. With Ramsey in the fold, he is now being viewed as a potential cut candidate.

In a recent fan chat, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette beat writer Ray Fittipaldo was asked about his 53-man roster prediction. After the Steelers' first preseason game versus the Jacksonville Jaguars, Bishop stands out as someone who may miss out on making the team.

"Less sure of Beanie Bishop and James Pierre," Fittipaldo wrote. "Teryl Austin said yesterday they're both in dog fights to make the roster. And Pierre was up and down in coverage versus the Jaguars. And there are so many injuries at key spots that it's hard to say right now."

If cut, it's always possible that Bishop could return to Pittsburgh on the practice squad, but it's likely that another team would pick him up based on his age and starting experience after just one season. James Pierre also has much more special teams prowess than Bishop, which could be a key determining factor if one of the two is on the outside looking in.

The Steelers are going to want to win games with the defense leading the way, regardless of who is under center on the offensive end. Bishop is talented, but far from polished, which could lead to his release at the end of the August. There is still plenty of time for the young corner to showcase why he should remain on the team, but Fittipaldo is beginning to get a little worried about the second-year defender.

The future needs to be considered in this situation as well. Pierre is entering his sixth year and may not have too many years left in the NFL given the fact that his biggest asset is special teams play. Bishop, on the other hand, could have several good years left if he continues to progress. This will have to be something that the Steelers' decision-makers discuss if and when the hypothetical situation arises of one making the roster and the other being cut.

Steelers' Bishop Has An Incredibly Important Few Weeks Coming Up

Pittsburgh's coaching staff knows that Bishop has some potential, but tough decisions are made every August of the NFL calendar. With Ramsey arriving and under contract for several years, the team may decide that it doesn't make sense to keep Bishop around. If he performs at a high level in practice and during the final two preseason games, however, he may give the organization no other choice but to give him a roster spot.