The NFL’s 53-man roster deadline has come and gone, with all 32 teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers and San Francisco 49ers, finalizing their cuts and submissions to the league. While the dust settles, the post-preseason release market offers teams a chance to bolster their rosters with overlooked talent. One such opportunity has emerged for the 49ers, courtesy of a surprising decision by the Pittsburgh Steelers to release Beanie Bishop, Jr., a young, versatile cornerback who could seamlessly fill a gap in San Francisco’s secondary.
A Costly Mistake by Pittsburgh
On Tuesday, the Steelers made the unexpected move to cut Beanie Bishop, Jr., a 25-year-old Louisville, Kentucky native who proved his worth during his rookie season in 2024. The former West Virginia Mountaineer appeared in all 17 games for Pittsburgh, starting six, and showcased his defensive prowess with 45 total tackles, half a sack, four interceptions, and a fumble recovery. His standout performance came against the New York Jets, where he intercepted Aaron Rodgers—now Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback—twice in a single game.
Despite his contributions and a solid preseason showing, where he recorded six tackles and two pass deflections, Bishop became expendable in Pittsburgh’s revamped secondary. The additions of veteran cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay signaled a shift in the Steelers’ defensive strategy, leaving Bishop as the odd man out. This decision, however, could prove to be a significant blunder for Pittsburgh, as Bishop’s skill set and durability make him a valuable asset for any team—especially one like the 49ers, who are looking to strengthen their defensive backfield.
Why Bishop Fits in San Francisco
The San Francisco 49ers, a team with a storied history and five Super Bowl titles, are no strangers to the challenges of maintaining a competitive roster. With a secondary featuring Deommodore Lenoir, Ji’Ayir Brown, Malik Mustapha, and Renardo Green, San Francisco boasts a talented but relatively young group of defensive backs. Adding Bishop, a proven playmaker with downfield coverage skills, could provide the depth and tenacity needed to face the NFC West’s high-powered passing attacks.
The 49ers’ division rivals—Los Angeles Rams’ Matthew Stafford, Arizona Cardinals’ Kyler Murray, and Seattle Seahawks’ Sam Darnold (a former 49er)—are all capable of stretching defenses with deep throws. Bishop’s ability to read plays, deflect passes, and secure interceptions makes him an ideal candidate to bolster San Francisco’s secondary. His 2024 stats, including four interceptions, align well with the 49ers’ defensive performance, which saw them tie for fifth in the NFL with 11 interceptions last season. Integrating Bishop could push that number even higher in 2025.
A Hedge Against the Injury Bug
Beyond immediate contributions, Bishop represents a strategic addition for a team all too familiar with the injury bug. In both seasons this decade that the 49ers missed the playoffs, including 2024, injuries ravaged key positions on both sides of the ball. Head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch have emphasized the importance of depth to mitigate such risks. Signing Bishop, even to the practice squad, would provide a reliable insurance policy—a young, durable athlete ready to step up if injuries strike.
Bishop’s versatility and work ethic make him a low-risk, high-reward option. His ability to compete in coverage, tackle effectively, and contribute on special teams aligns with the 49ers’ need for multi-faceted players. At 25, he’s still developing, offering both immediate impact and long-term potential.
Seizing the Opportunity
The Steelers’ decision to release Beanie Bishop, Jr. may go down as one of the most puzzling moves of the 2025 roster cut period. For the 49ers, it’s an opportunity they can’t afford to miss. Whether as a depth piece in the secondary or a practice squad member poised for a call-up, Bishop brings the kind of tenacity and playmaking ability that could elevate San Francisco’s defense. As the 49ers prepare to navigate a gauntlet of NFC West quarterbacks and aim for a return to playoff contention, adding a talent like Bishop could be the difference-maker.
San Francisco should act swiftly to claim this defensive weapon before another team capitalizes on Pittsburgh’s blunder. The Bay Area could be the perfect landing spot for Bishop to continue his ascent as one of the NFL’s promising young cornerbacks.