The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially announced the signing of safety Bishop Fitzgerald, completing their 2026 practice squad ahead of the upcoming NFL season. This signing marks the final addition to the practice squad, which now consists of a total of 17 players, including Fitzgerald, who was previously with the Tennessee Titans.
Fitzgerald, who went undrafted in 2026, had a notable collegiate career playing for both North Carolina State and the University of Southern California. His standout performance came during his final season with the USC Trojans in 2025, where he recorded five interceptions and tallied 51 total tackles. His impressive statistics caught the attention of NFL scouts, and he showcased his athleticism by running a 4.55-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.
In addition to Fitzgerald, the Steelers' practice squad includes several other new faces. Among them are outside linebacker Bradyn Swinson and cornerback Car’lin Vigers, both of whom are also looking to make an impact in Pittsburgh. Swinson, a former fifth-round pick by the New England Patriots in 2025, played in three games last season, where he recorded one tackle. His collegiate career at LSU was highlighted by a strong senior season in 2024, where he achieved 8.5 sacks and 59 total tackles.
Vigers, who went undrafted in 2025, spent time on the practice squad of the Washington Commanders last season. He had a solid final season at UL Monroe in 2024, finishing with 38 total tackles and one interception. His athletic profile includes a reported 4.52-second 40-yard dash and a RAS score of 8.00, indicating his potential as a cornerback.
The Steelers' practice squad also features a mix of positions, with players like running back Travis Homer and wide receivers Max Hurleman and Brandon Johnson adding depth to the roster. Notably, the team has utilized the International Player Pathway Program exemption slot for outside linebacker Julius Welschof, who is expected to bring unique skills to the squad.
Interestingly, the initial practice squad does not include former Dallas Cowboys safety Juanyeh Thomas, despite reports indicating that he was set to sign with the Steelers. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler had previously reported on the potential signing, which was seemingly confirmed by Thomas's social media activity. For now, Thomas is absent from Pittsburgh's roster, leaving fans curious about his status.
As the Steelers prepare for the regular season, the completion of their practice squad allows the coaching staff to evaluate these players further. The practice squad serves as a crucial component for teams, providing depth and the opportunity for players to develop and potentially contribute to the active roster throughout the season.
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