Steelers Sign Rookie Safety To Practice Squad

The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed safety Bishop Fitzgerald to their practice squad, the team announced Wednesday. Fitzgerald is the 17th member and completes the team’s practice squad.

Despite previous reporting, it doesn’t appear the team will sign former Dallas Cowboys and Indianapolis Colts S Juanyeh Thomas. It’s not clear why that reported deal fell through. (UPDATE 5:08 PM. Per the NFL sheet, Thomas visited with the Steelers Wednesday but has yet to sign with them).

Undrafted in April, Fitzgerald finished his college career at USC after beginning it at NC State. In 2025, he tallied 51 tackles (2.5 TFL) with five interceptions. He was named an All-American.

Fitzgerald measured in at 5110, 201 pounds during the pre-draft process. He ran a 4.55 40-yard dash with a 33-inch vertical and 12 reps on the bench press. Our scouting report praised his football IQ and recognition but knocked him for his lack of top-end speed. He also battled a knee injury last season.

Across his college career, Fitzgerald totaled 148 tackles (10 TFL) with 10 interceptions. He began his career at a Kansas JUCO.

Fitzgerald spent time with the Tennessee Titans earlier this year, and he recorded 8 tackles across preseason action.

In our scouting report, we concluded:

“Overall, Fitzgerald is a prospect with the talent to outperform his draft slot. His lack of straight-line speed will push some teams away but make no mistake: he’s a playmaker in the secondary. Throughout his career, he’s been a magnet for the football, largely because of his understanding of passing concepts rooted in his quarterback background.

From Day 1, he projects as a quality coverage defender on the back end. His movement skills and transitions are so smooth that he can change direction without losing speed or balance. Fitzgerald may not be the fastest safety, but his burst and acceleration allow him to close the gap between himself and the nearest threat in a hurry.”

We compared him to former Steelers safety Damontae Kazee.

With DeShon Elliott on injured reserve, the Steelers are relatively thin at safety. Speaking to reporters Monday, GM Omar Khan indicated the team was likely to add a veteran safety but opted to add a rookie in Fitzgerald instead. Jaquan Brisker, Rayshawn Jenkins, and Robert Spears-Jennings are full-time safeties while Jalen Ramsey can play slot corner and safety. It’s not clear how Pittsburgh plans to deploy Ramsey and its safeties for the season opener.

For the other 16 names, check out our practice squad tracker below.