The preseason road is never easy, and Tuesday proved that yet again for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The NFL’s 53-man roster cut deadline pulled no punches, forcing front offices across the league to make brutal decisions on players who fought tooth and nail to secure a spot. For Pittsburgh, the task was no less painful.
After an offseason spent collecting All-Pros and proven veteran leaders, general manager Omar Khan had to trim away talent to stay compliant with league regulations.
The result left defensive coordinator Teryl Austin with a thinner deck in the secondary.
The most notable moves came with the termination of cornerback James Pierre and safety Chuck Clark. Pierre, a reliable depth piece who saw meaningful snaps over the past few seasons, became a casualty of numbers.
Clark, meanwhile, was brought in to provide stability and veteran leadership but didn’t quite separate himself enough in camp to earn a final spot. Those decisions alone would have been enough to sting, but Pittsburgh wasn’t done.
Perhaps the most revealing cut was the decision to waive cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr.
Bishop’s preseason was hindered by an undisclosed injury, limiting his ability to stack reps and make an impression in a crowded cornerback room. While his four interceptions during his rookie campaign were encouraging signs of potential, it wasn’t enough to outweigh his lack of availability this summer.
It’s the harsh reality of the NFL—potential can only take you so far when the clock is ticking.
The Pittsburgh Steelers made 53-man roster cuts that will lead to future success
With Bishop and Pierre gone, Pittsburgh’s cornerback rotation now falls squarely on Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay, and Jalen Ramsey—a formidable trio but one that will need to wear multiple hats throughout the year.
Behind them, rookie Donte Kent and Brandon Echols are expected to play significant roles, stepping into action earlier than many would have anticipated.
While that youth movement could pay dividends down the road, it also puts pressure on the veterans to mentor quickly and the coaching staff to trust their development.
The Steelers made the right calls—even if they were tough. Cutting Clark and Pierre clears flexibility and keeps the door open to potentially bring Bishop back later if he clears waivers.
That type of roster gymnastics is exactly how good teams stay competitive deep into the season.
There was also movement beyond the secondary. The Steelers chose to keep quarterback Skylar Thompson on the 53-man roster, a move directly tied to rookie Will Howard’s finger injury.
Howard will be placed on injured reserve, giving Thompson a temporary but important role as Pittsburgh’s depth option under center.
It’s another reminder that roster construction isn’t just about today—it’s about being ready for tomorrow’s uncertainties.
Now, with the business of roster cuts behind them, the Steelers can finally shift focus to what truly matters: Week 1 against the New York Jets.
The secondary may not have the depth it started with in July, but the talent at the top is undeniable. If Porter, Slay, and Ramsey can set the tone, and if the young corners grow up fast, this defense will still be a force to be reckoned with.
The road to September is never smooth, but Pittsburgh looks ready for the journey.