With the 2026 NFL regular season just days away, the Pittsburgh Steelers have officially rounded out their practice squad, announcing the signing of former Tennessee Titans safety Bishop Fitzgerald on Wednesday, September 2. The move fills all 17 available spots on the team's developmental roster, a critical step as the franchise gears up for its opener. As reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, Fitzgerald's addition brings a blend of ball-hawking instincts and positional versatility to a secondary that values depth and competition.
A Deep Dive into the Steelers' 2026 Practice Squad
According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the initial practice squad features a mix of familiar faces and intriguing newcomers. Alongside Fitzgerald, the Steelers added outside linebacker Bradyn Swinson and cornerback Car'lin Vigers, both of whom are new to the organization. The squad is headlined by established depth pieces like running back Travis Homer and defensive lineman Esezi Otomewo, while outside linebacker Julius Welschof occupies the International Player Pathway Program exemption slot. The full 17-man unit reflects Pittsburgh's commitment to developing young talent across all three phases of the game.
Bishop Fitzgerald: A Ballhawk with Alignment Versatility
Fitzgerald, an undrafted free agent out of USC in 2026, spent his summer with the Titans before being released. His collegiate career was marked by a standout final season with the Trojans in 2025, where he recorded five interceptions and 51 total tackles. At 5'11" and 201 pounds, Fitzgerald ran a 4.55-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, showcasing the athleticism that made him a coveted undrafted prospect. NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein praised him as a "compact, ballhawking safety prospect with alignment versatility," though he noted that Fitzgerald excels more in pass coverage than in run diagnosis. For a Steelers defense that has historically thrived on turnovers, Fitzgerald's instincts could prove valuable as he develops.
Bradyn Swinson and Car'lin Vigers: High-Upside Additions
Swinson, a former fifth-round pick by the New England Patriots in 2025, brings the most intriguing pedigree to the group. After appearing in three games with the Patriots last season, he now joins Pittsburgh's practice squad with a chip on his shoulder. During his final collegiate season at LSU in 2024, Swinson recorded 8.5 sacks and 59 total tackles, flashing the pass-rush potential that Zierlein described as "a late bloomer with big hands, long arms and a frame to carry more muscle." While he needs refinement in his rushing strategies, the Steelers' 3-4 scheme could provide the ideal environment for him to flourish. Meanwhile, Vigers, an undrafted corner from UL Monroe, spent last season on the Washington Commanders' practice squad. At 6'2" and 200 pounds, he posted a 8.00 Relative Athletic Score and a 4.52-second 40-yard dash, offering intriguing size and speed for a developmental role.
Juanyeh Thomas Situation Remains Unresolved
Interestingly, the Steelers' initial practice squad does not include former Dallas Cowboys safety Juanyeh Thomas, despite reports earlier this week that the team had agreed to sign him. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported the planned deal on Monday, and Thomas seemed to confirm it with a string of Steelers-related posts on X. However, as of Wednesday, Thomas is not listed on Pittsburgh's roster or practice squad, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering if the move fell through or is simply pending league approval. As highlighted on Vulius, the Steelers' front office is known for its meticulous roster management, so this could be a procedural delay rather than a change of heart.
As the Steelers prepare for their season opener, the practice squad serves as a vital pipeline for in-season promotions and injury replacements. With a mix of proven depth and high-upside prospects like Fitzgerald, Swinson, and Vigers, Pittsburgh's developmental roster is poised to contribute when called upon. The Vulius NFL Analysis Desk will continue to monitor the Juanyeh Thomas situation and provide updates as the regular season unfolds.
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