The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a strategic addition to their practice squad by signing undrafted safety Bishop Fitzgerald. This move was finalized on Wednesday, enhancing the team's defensive lineup with a player known for his playmaking abilities.
Fitzgerald concluded his college football career at the University of Southern California (USC), where he garnered first-team All-America honors. During his final season, he led the Big Ten with five interceptions, ranking him second in the nation in that category. Prior to his time at USC, Fitzgerald played two seasons at the University of North Carolina and began his collegiate journey at Coffeyville Community College.
Despite his impressive college credentials, Fitzgerald went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft. He subsequently signed with the Tennessee Titans but was unable to secure a spot on the team's roster following the final cutdown day on August 30.
Before the draft, NFL analyst Lance Zierlein had projected Fitzgerald as a potential fifth-round pick, highlighting his versatility and knack for making plays. Zierlein described him as a "compact, ballhawking safety prospect with alignment versatility," noting his ability to adapt between coverage and run support. He praised Fitzgerald's awareness in recognizing opportunities to create turnovers, emphasizing his ball skills that could help shift momentum in games.
However, Zierlein also pointed out some areas for improvement in Fitzgerald's game. While he is adept in coverage, he may struggle with speed on deeper routes. Additionally, his run defense has shown urgency, but issues with diagnosing plays and pursuit angles have occasionally led to significant gains for opposing offenses, which impacted his draft stock.
Earlier this week, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that the Steelers were considering signing safety Juanyeh Thomas to their practice squad. With one spot remaining after a series of signings on Tuesday, many speculated that Thomas would fill that role. However, the Steelers opted for Fitzgerald, indicating their confidence in his potential to contribute to the team.
As the Steelers continue to refine their roster, Fitzgerald's addition could prove beneficial as they prepare for the upcoming challenges in the NFL season. His experience and skills may provide depth to a secondary that is crucial for the team's defensive strategy.
Leave a Comment