Building a championship-caliber roster in the NFL is no easy task, but Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan is proving he's more than up to the challenge.
After making tough decisions during final 53-man roster cuts, the Steelers moved quickly to secure key players to their practice squad — most notably Beanie Bishop Jr., Sebastian Castro, and DeMarvin Leal.
These signings might not have grabbed the same headlines as blockbuster acquisitions like Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, or Jalen Ramsey across the league, but they reflect a deeper strength in Pittsburgh’s approach: smart, calculated roster management.
Khan and his front office staff have shown an uncanny ability to identify value — especially when it comes to role players who can be developed and deployed when needed most.
While making it through final roster cuts is a major milestone for any player, not everyone survives the deep talent pool on Pittsburgh's depth chart. But not making the 53-man roster doesn’t mean a player is without value. For Bishop, Castro, and Leal, landing on the practice squad is both a second chance and a strategic win for the team.
The Pittsburgh Steelers can mold their practice squad into a group of relaible role players
DeMarvin Leal, a former third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Texas A&M, was one of the more notable names not to make the final roster. While his impact over the past two seasons has been limited — recording just one sack and 33 total tackles — the 6-foot-4, 290-pound defensive lineman still has intriguing upside. If he can refine his technique and stay healthy, he could become a valuable rotational piece down the line.
Sebastian Castro, a safety out of Iowa, made waves as an undrafted free agent.
Known for his aggressive downhill tackling and high football IQ, Castro racked up 163 total tackles and four interceptions during his college career. His presence on the practice squad will be something to monitor closely. Especially with the Steelers' defense known for developing talent in-house. He’s the kind of gritty, hard-nosed player Mike Tomlin has built his defense around.
The most surprising cut was second-year cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr.
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A standout in his rookie year, Bishop snagged four interceptions and provided much-needed depth in a battered Steelers secondary led by defensive coordinator Teryl Austin.
Unfortunately, an undisclosed injury sidelined him for most of the preseason, leaving him without the fresh tape needed to lock in a roster spot. However, his return to the practice squad offers hope for a bounce-back — and possibly, a mid-season call-up if the secondary needs reinforcements.
In a league where depth and preparation often separate contenders from pretenders, these practice squad signings are a wise move.
The NFL season is long and unpredictable — injuries, slumps, and surprises are inevitable. With Bishop, Castro, and Leal waiting in the wings, the Steelers are better equipped to weather the storm and stay competitive deep into the season.
Omar Khan’s roster strategy shows a front office that’s both aggressive and calculated — a balance every contender needs. The Steelers aren’t just building a team for Week 1. They’re building a team for January.
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