Steelers sign former Titans safety, round out practice squad

On August 30, 2025, the Pittsburgh Steelers announced they had signed safety Bishop Fitzgerald, officially completing the roster for their 2026 practice squad. The squad now consists of 17 players, including Julius Welschof on the International Player Pathway Program exemption. The roster includes linebacker Kyler Baugh, cornerback Sebastian Castro, Fitzgerald, running back Travis Homer, wide receiver Max Hurleman, offensive lineman Steven Jones, tight end Lake McRee, offensive lineman Doug Nester, linebacker Lew Nichols, linebacker Esezi Otomewo, cornerback Doneiko Slaughter, running back Brandon Smith, linebacker Bradyn Swinson, cornerback Car’lin Vigers, and outside linebacker Julius Welschof.

Three rookies join the Steelers organization this year: Fitzgerald, Swinson, and Vigers. Fitzgerald, undrafted in 2026, spent the summer with the Tennessee Titans but had his best collegiate seasons at NC State and USC, where he recorded five interceptions and 51 total tackles in 2025. Vigers, also undrafted from UL Monroe, played for the Washington Commanders' practice squad in 2025 and notched one interception in 2024.

Swinson, a former fifth-round pick by the New England Patriots, played three games for the Patriots in 2025, recording one tackle. He had an impressive senior season at LSU, where he recorded 8.5 sacks and 59 total tackles. Notably, Pittsburgh's initial practice squad does not include the recently reported signing of former Cowboys safety Juanyeh Thomas, who failed to make the Steelers' roster or practice squad.