Mike Tomlin has announced one positional group that will be battling throughout training camp for a starting role—slot cornerback.
Despite having a strong 2024 campaign, the undrafted slot CB out of West Virginia, Beanie Bishop Jr., will apparently need to “re-earn” his spot, according to Tomlin.
Nick Farabaugh, a beat writer for the Pittsburgh Steelers, brought Tomlin’s statements from the 2025 NFL Annual League Meeting to light, stating that newly acquired CB Brandin Echols would factor into the competition as well.
Ultimately, Tomlin had this to say about Bishop’s upcoming role for the 2025 season:
"Excited about the upside of him, but certainly he will face some competitive challenges in re-earning that role in 2025."
Despite creating splash plays left and right, Bishop was benched in favor of veteran slot CB Cameron Sutton, who returned from suspension.
Much to the dismay of Steelers fans, Sutton struggled mightily—while Bishop continued to see limited action from the bench.
Mike Tomlin's evaluation of Beanie Bishop and where the slot CB position stands:
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) March 30, 2025
Tomlin also factored Brandin Echols into the slot CB equation.
"It was a good start for him.....but certainly he will face some competitive challenges in re-earning that role in 2025." pic.twitter.com/9dukSuHNVY
Will Echols force the Bishop into a similar backup role, or will Tomlin take the reins off Beanie heading into 2025?
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Beanie Bishop will have to compete for Steelers' starting slot CB spot
