The Pittsburgh Steelers are in desperate need of a player to step up in the slot corner role. Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson seemed poised to control the outside, but entering 2024 training camp, no one was very sure who would step up to play on the inside. Beanie Bishop Jr. has impressed throughout the summer, into camp, and could absolutely make the 53-man roster. This might be the reason why the organization decided to make a relatively surprise release ahead of padded practice on Tuesday.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/2L9A6118-544x306.jpg "Steelers Joey Porter Jr.")
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (#24) stands on the field at St. Vincent College during 2023 training camp practice in Latrobe, PA.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported on Monday night that the franchise had decided to let go of Josiah Scott. The former Philadelphia Eagles player stands at 5'9" and was expected to have an opportunity to compete for the starting slot cornerback role
#Steelers have released defensive back Josiah Scott, per source. Four-year vet spent time with Philly and Pittsburgh last season.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) July 30, 2024
This is an interesting release, especially because it is so early on in training camp. There will likely be a corresponding move, but getting rid of a player that works in at a position of need is surely questionable. Clearly, the front office and coaching staff have other plans and had seen enough of Scott.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan picks up the phone in the team's war room during the 2023 NFL Draft weekend.
Graylond Arnold will also be given a chance to earn the job, but getting rid of some of the competition with the release Scott gives an idea of which direction the Steelers are planning on going. Scott was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars back in 2020 in the fourth round, but never quite found his footing at the professional level.
Scott only has logged four career starts and while Bishop and Arnold may have a leg up, it's noteworthy that Scott was let go of this early on in 2024 training camp. Fans would love if the corresponding move was the arrival of a new wide receiver, but Rodney Williams suffered a shoulder injury and the Steelers could be looking to bring in a new tight end. After all, new Offensive Coordinator, Arthur Smith, loves to use the position.
Mark Humphrey / AP Photo
Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith, then with the Tennessee Titans, walks off the practice field with tight end Jonnu Smith (87).
Steelers Must Be Loving What Is Going On With Bishop
The undrafted rookie in Bishop has already allegedly made a difference in camp, even before pads have been thrown on the players. Pittsburgh is hopefully looking to recreate the magic that ensued after signing Mike Hilton years ago. The slot position has been up in the air since and it would be a phenomenal outcome if Bishop turns into a blitzing corner that can guard quick wide receivers.
Are you surprised that Scott is already released? Let us know in the comments below!
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