In the early stages of training camp there are times when roster moves are merely inevitable. Often times players being added to a roster can also come with an accompanying roster move. Likewise, a player who gets injured during camp can also mean the organization has no choice but to bring in a replacement.

But then there are times when a team makes a decision which doesn’t fall into a specific category, like the ones stated above. Monday evening when Jeremy Fowler reported the Steelers were releasing veteran cornerback Josiah Scott would be one of those times.

#Steelers have released defensive back Josiah Scott, per source. Four-year vet spent time with Philly and Pittsburgh last season.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) July 30, 2024

The Steelers don’t have a ton of depth at the slot cornerback position, especially when you consider the pending 8-game suspension for Cam Sutton. On top of that, Scott was receiving some first team reps at Mandatory Minicamp this offseason, so you can understand how this move might come as a shock to some who try and figure out the team’s next move on the 90-man offseason roster.

But could Scott’s release have more to do than just a veteran now a free agent?

It could speak volumes about undrafted rookie free agent cornerback Beanie Bishop. Since the start of training camp last week it has been Bishop who has received the majority of first team reps. It speaks volumes about the potential of Bishop, but you have to wonder if the team would be comfortable heading into a regular season with an undrafted rookie free agent being the starting slot cornerback.

Another scenario could also be the Steelers releasing Scott to bring in another player. Could it be a veteran, like Patrick Peterson, or maybe another veteran defensive back who remains on the open market?

The answer to the “what could this mean?” question could be both. The Steelers could be comfortable and pleased with Bishop’s progress and development, and also look to add a veteran presence to the cornerback room. Either way, be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the rest of training camp.