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Lions Part Ways With Ex-Steelers Rookie Safety
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- Lions Part Ways With Ex-Steelers Rookie Safety
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Bishop Fitzgerald takes part in a practice. -- Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
A former safety of the Pittsburgh Steelers is looking for a new home in the NFL.
The Detroit Lions have waived former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Bishop Fitzgerald , according to multiple reports.
The #Lions have placed safety Bishop Fitzgerald on waivers.
He was signed by Detroit off the #Steelers practice squad in September. pic.twitter.com/DrRXKDDavq— Alan Saunders (@ASaunders_PGH) November 3, 2026
The Lions signed Fitzgerald off the Steelers practice squad in September. He joined Pittsburgh earlier that month shortly after he was released by the Tennessee Titans.
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He began his professional career as an undrafted rookie free agent out of the 2026 NFL Draft. Fitzgerald registered eight stops in three preseason games for Tennessee, while playing both strong and free safety, but he was waived as a part of the team's final roster cuts.
Oct 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) is stopped by USC Trojans defensive end Braylan Shelby (10) and safety Bishop Fitzgerald (19) after he ran the ball in the first half at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. — Jayne Kamin-Oncea / Imagn Images
Fitzgerald began his collegiate career at the JUCO level, playing at Coffeyville (Kansas) Community College before transferring to NC State in 2023.
With the Wolfpack, Fitzgerald played at both safety spots and in the slot over two campaigns, notching five interceptions and 11 passes defended.
Fitzgerald transferred to USC last season, then picked off five passes — returning one for a touchdown — and breaking up three passes. For his efforts, he was named a first-team All-Big Ten selection and a consensus All-American.
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The Steelers had scouted Fitzgerald at the 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl.
"Compact, ballhawking safety prospect with alignment versatility," NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein wrote in a scouting report. "Fitzgerald's consistency of execution is quite different in coverage versus run support. In coverage, he is assignment-oriented, displaying an adequate mix of route balance and response quickness. He's clear-eyed to recognize takeaway opportunities and has the ball skills to flip the field."
Brendan Howe contributed.
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