Behind the Steel Curtain
The Steelers made drastic changes to their secondary during the 2025 offseason. The cornerback room in particular received a heavy overhaul after Pittsburgh felt the results of being thin at the position last season. With all the talent brought into the cornerback room, it’s created a competitive environment where players truly have to earn their spot on the final 53-man roster. That means some fan favorites might not make the team.
Beanie Bishop, an undrafted free agent out of West Virginia University, seemingly made the most of his opportunities when he got on the field in 2024. Due to injuries and shaky play from the defensive backs room, Bishop found himself starting as the slot corner for Pittsburgh during the back half of the season. Bishop was a ballhawk, nabbing four interceptions, two of which came against now Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Now, just a year later, his spot on the roster is uncertain.
Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin spoke to reporters on Monday ahead of the team’s final preseason game against the Carolina Panthers. When asked about Bishop and his chances of making the roster, Austin did not shy away from letting it be known that Bishop is not a lock to make the roster.
“He really has to fight and work to get some splash to get in the picture.”
Austin also noted that Bishop is “working his tail off,” but the quote certainly hints that Bishop’s roster spot is not guaranteed.
Given Bishop’s body of work last season, it would be a surprise to most fans if he did not make the final roster this year. However, with the Steelers signing Darius Slay and Brandin Echols, as well as trading for Jalen Ramsey to be the team’s CB1, Bishop will have even more of an uphill battle to see the field than he did in his rookie year.
Bishop’s limited size (5’9, 182 pounds) and athleticism (17th-percentile vertical, 34th-percentil broad jump, 27th-percentile 3-cone) limited his role to playing primarily in the slot for the Steelers. Now with Ramsey, Echols, and Juan Thornhill in the fold and all able to play the slot, Bishop’s comparative limitations have him fighting on the roster bubble.
Austin also shared some thoughts on Corey Trice Jr., a promising corner who has dealth with several injuries early on in his career.
There’s no arguing Trice has shown flashes of talent during his career. However, all the talent in the world doesn’t count for much if you’re not able to suit up on Sundays. Already dealing with a hamstring injury this summer, Trice is working to be availabe for this weekend.
The final preseason game on Thursday could be the last chance for either Bishop or Trice to make their case they belong on the 2025 Steelers.
