Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting (23) reacts after a play against the Cincinnati Bengals in the third quarter at Raymond James Stadium.
Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Joey Porter Jr. made his Dallas Cowboys debut on Sunday after a dragged-out contract saga with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but in order for the Black and Gold to fully move on from the situation, they must still address their cornerback room. Fifth-year general manager Omar Khan just acquired a potential short-term solution. Pittsburgh is signing Super Bowl 55 champion Sean Murphy-Bunting off the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' practice squad, per Tom Pelissero of The Ringer and Netflix.
The 2019 second-round draft pick out of Central Michigan spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Bucs, had brief stints with the Tennessee Titans and Arizona Cardinals and returned to Tampa in the beginning of September. He was instrumental to the Buccaneers winning their second championship in franchise history, recording three interceptions and five passes defended during the 2020-21 playoffs. However, he has not played in an NFL game in more than two years.
Murphy-Bunting suffered a torn ACL in 2025 and missed the entire campaign. Obviously, the Steelers feel good enough about his health to make this move. He has accumulated 11 picks, eight forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, 297 combined tackles, 12 tackles for loss and 34 passes defended in 82 regular season games. He may not be a major boost for a defense that currently ranks 12th with 209.5 passing yards allowed per game, but he gives Pittsburgh needed depth in the secondary.
The Steelers (2-2) will help Sean Murphy-Bunting get acclimated to his new surroundings and prepare him for competition. They host the Indianapolis Colts (2-2) on Sunday afternoon.