The Pittsburgh Steelers have released second-year cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. from their practice squad, per an official announcement from the club. It's a shocking move, especially considering they're allowing the most passing yards per game through the Week 9 Sunday slate of action.
Nevertheless, one man's trash is another's treasure. While the Steelers don't see a place for Bishop on their B-team, let alone the gameday roster, he could easily land on his feet quickly. Several contenders can use help at his position, like the Green Bay Packers.
Green Bay has reportedly been scouring the market for corners ahead of the NFL's November 4 trade deadline. However, Beanie presents an intriguing option on the open market that can certainly bolster their Super Bowl LX aspirations and is worth pursuing.
Ex-Steelers CB Beanie Bishop just landed in the Packers' laps after surprise release
Offseason free-agent acquisition Nate Hobbs hasn't lived up to the four-year, $48 million contract the Packers signed him to this past March. To properly contextualize his shortcomings, he was recently benched in favor of 2023 seventh-round pick Carrington Valentine. The latter has handled his new full-time role admirably, though that shouldn't stop Green Bay from targeting a talented young ball-hawk like Bishop.
Bishop quickly emerged as a reliable player for the Steelers as a rookie after entering the league undrafted. He amassed 45 tackles (two for loss), seven pass deflections and four interceptions across 17 games (six starts) in a promising 2024 campaign. Alas, minimal special teams contributions and the additions of high-profile veterans like Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay to Pittsburgh's secondary rendered him an afterthought.
Listed at 5-foot-9, 182 pounds, Bishop is best suited to line up inside. He almost exclusively operated from the nickel in Pittsburgh, logging 492 of his 549 snaps last season from the slot (h/t Pro Football Focus [$]). So, his skill set may not align with the Packers' need for a stopper on the boundary of their secondary.
Yet, despite not being a facsimile of the cornerback the Packers are missing, Bishop (hypothetically) brings a much-needed talent influx to Titletown. His proven playmaking is worthy of a flier, at the very least. Moreover, he doesn't turn 26 until December, making him a potential long-term investment for Green Bay or any prospective suitor.