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Steelers agree to terms with five free agents, Two From 49ers Which Saw Them As Favorite 2024 NFL Draft Picks
Steelers’ Mike Tomlin Updates Where Justin Fields, Russell Wilson Stand in Offseason
It’s not remotely uncommon this time of year for NFL teams to carry two quarterbacks who could reasonably start.
However, rarely are those two quarterbacks as accomplished as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ potential starters. In 2024, the Steelers will have the ability to turn to a nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback in Russell Wilson or an attractive work-in-progress in Justin Fields.
With speculation already buzzing about the state of the race, Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin updated reporters Saturday on where Fields and Wilson stand heading into camp.
“You know, right now in the early stages of team development, (Wilson) is in pole position. I think his collective body of work merits that,” Tomlin said.
Wilson bounced back from a bad 2022 campaign in ’23, throwing 26 touchdowns against eight interceptions in 15 games.
“We’re really excited to have Justin as well,” Tomlin added. “And obviously during the course of team development training camp and the preseason, he’ll be given an opportunity to compete.”
Fields, on the other hand, threw 16 touchdowns against nine interceptions in 13 games in ’23.
PITTSBURGH — Former West Virginia cornerback Beanie Bishop has signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent following the 2024 NFL Draft.
Bishop earned Consensus All-American status as a member of the Mountaineers in the 2023 season, leading college football in pass breakups with 20 and totaling 17 forced incompletions. He also added four interceptions and 67 total tackles to his resume.
Bishop transferred to West Virginia following a year at Minnesota and three years at Western Kentucky.
After not receiving an invite to the 2024 NFL Draft Combine, Bishop participated in the 2024 Big 12 Pro Day, running a 4.39 40 Yard Dash and a 4.15 shuttle drill, impressing scouts across the NFL.
Bishop entered the draft with a couple concerns regarding his game. Firstly his 5’9 frame is quite small for that of a cornerback, whereas the NFL average height for a defensive back is 5’11.5″.
Another concern is Bishop’s vertical testing from the Big 12 Pro Day. Bishop’s score on the drill resulted in a 33.5 inch vertical, which would be tied for second worst out of cornerbacks who participated in NFL Combine. The worst score was a 32 inch vertical by Dwight McGlothern, who also went undrafted.
Despite his limitations, Bishop earned his collegiate All-American status by being quick on transition, sticking with receivers and by staying high energy throughout the game. Now Bishop gets a shot to prove himself at the professional level with the Steelers.
In Pittsburgh, he’ll have a shot to compete with names like Cory Trice, Darius Rush and fellow rookie Ryan Watts for a roster spot this summer.
