Steelers Elevate Beanie Bishop Jr, Develop Cornerbacks Porter Jr, Trice Jr

The Pittsburgh Steelers are shaping their defensive backfield with promising young cornerbacks and veterans as they prepare for the 2025 season. Beanie Bishop Jr., who began his rookie season as the starting nickelback but lost playing time, appears to be in a strong position to reclaim the role, benefiting from a year of experience and mentorship from veterans like Darius Slay. Cory Trice Jr., recovering from injuries, is showing encouraging development in OTAs and could be a long-term partner alongside Joey Porter Jr., who is seen as a foundational player in the secondary. The Steelers also added depth with seventh-round pick Donte Kent and veteran Brandin Echols, aiming to solidify the cornerback group. Meanwhile, the quarterback room looks thin, with Mason Rudolph currently leading and expected to start while the team looks ahead to the 2026 draft for a long-term solution. On offense, the team is addressing wide receiver needs after trading George Pickens, with potential targets emerging, including the possibility of acquiring Terry McLaurin from the Washington Commanders amid ongoing contract disputes.