The Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t actually sign veteran receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling last week as some insiders reported. But the signing appears to be on the horizon, and to complete the transaction, the Steelers created roster space with the release of cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr.
The Steelers announced Monday they have released Bishop from the practice squad.
The Steelers didn’t make any mention of Valdes-Scantling as a corresponding move to Bishop’s release. However, both The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac and Steelers insider Mark Kaboly reported just prior to the Steelers announcing Bishop’s release that the team will sign the veteran wideout to the practice squad.
Valdes-Scantling will be teammates with quarterback Aaron Rodgers for the second time in his career. The wideout was with Rodgers when the two played for the Green Bay Packers from 2018-21.
Steelers Release Beanie Bishop Jr. From Practice Squad
An undrafted free agent from West Virginia in 2024, Bishop immediately endeared himself to Steelers fans because of his local college connection and strong play. Bishop had a significant role for the Steelers in the first half of his rookie season last year.
In a Sunday night affair against the New York Jets, the undrafted rookie intercepted Rodgers twice. He also had two pass defenses and a tackle for loss in the blowout win for Pittsburgh.
Bishop didn’t play as much after Halloween last year. But he turned in a solid rookie campaign overall with 45 combined tackles, including two tackles for loss. He also had seven pass defenses, four interceptions and 0.5 sacks.
Bishop dressed for all 17 games, starting six of them.
This year, though, Bishop became expendable when the Steelers acquired Jalen Ramsey. The team waived the former undrafted free agent at the end of the 2025 preseason.
The Steelers brought back Bishop for their practice squad, but he had yet to play this year before his release Monday.
Bishop is likely a candidate to return to the Steelers practice squad again if he remains unsigned. But for now, the team needs more practice squad room for other positions.
Steelers to Sign WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling: Report
As Kaboly wrote, the Steelers adding the veteran receiver makes a lot of sense. The team previously showed interest in signing Valdes-Scantling at the end of August.
However, instead of the Steelers, Valdes-Scantling elected to sign with the San Francisco 49ers. At the time, both teams were trying to add the wideout to their practice squad.
In five games with San Francisco, Valdes-Scantling hauled in four passes for 40 yards. The 49ers released the wideout a day after placing him on injured reserve with a calf injury.
Valdes-Scantling worked out with the Steelers on October 27.
As Kaboly also stated, adding the former Rodgers teammate isn’t a major addition at receiver. But he will provide veteran experience and playmaking ability to Pittsburgh’s practice squad.
In 59 games with the Packers, Valdes-Scantling had 123 catches, 2,153 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. He averaged 17.5 yards per reception.
Over 111 career NFL games, Valdes-Scantling has averaged 17.3 yards per catch. After the Packers, he played for the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills and New Orleans Saints before joining the 49ers.
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