Pittsburgh Steelers announce signing of four rookies, including QB John Rhys Plumlee

The Pittsburgh Steelers announced the signings of four undrafted rookie free agents on Friday ahead of the team’s rookie minicamp. The team inked quarterback John Rhys Plumlee, cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr., running back Daijun Edwards and linebacker Jacoby Windmon. All four agreed to terms with the Steelers to join the team following the conclusion of the 2024 NFL Draft and now they’ve made it official by signing contracts.

Plumlee, who started his career at Ole Miss, inked after an impressive season with UCF. In his career, he completed 464 of 760 passes for 5,838 yards and 34 touchdowns. Last season, he was 161 of 256 for 2,271 yards and 15 TDs.

Former Georgia running back Daijun Edwards rushed for 2,083 yards and 24 touchdowns at the collegiate level. He also had another 343 receiving yards for his career. The majority of Edwards’ production came during the 2023 season. He had 881 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. He was a key part of the offense and helped to lead Georgia to a 13-1 season and an Orange Bowl win.

Windmon, a standout for Michigan State, dazzled in his first season with the Spartans. He led the FBS with six forced fumbles. He also had 49 tackles, including a team-high 10.5 for loss, 5.5 sacks, one interception, and 17 QB pressures. Unfortunately, he played only three games in 2023 before suffering a pectoral muscle injury that ended his season.

Beanie Bishop joins the Steelers after four seasons with Western Kentucky and one with West Virginia. In 2023, he recorded 67 tackles, 54 of them solo stops, and four interceptions while starting 13 games. He earned first-team All-American honors (Walter Camp and FWAA) and second-team All-American honors (Associated Press, Sporting News, AFCA).

Plumlee confirms plans to play QB in NFL

John Rhys Plumlee wants to tamp down on the talk that he may switch positions now that the Steelers signed him as an undrafted free agent. He’s a quarterback.

True, Plumlee can maneuver like a tailback. After all, he gained more than 1,000 yards running against SEC defenses during his freshman season at Ole Miss. He also can run routes like a receiver. But he sees himself as a quarterback, first and foremost. He finished his career at Central Florida where he could throw and run.

Plumlee gave his thoughts on a potential position switch this week during an interview with Steelers Takeaways.

“I felt like Pittsburgh committed more to me being able to play quarterback,” Plumlee said. “They expressed that they believed I was a quarterback and that I fit their system, and would give me that opportunity.”

Plumlee will be QB4 with the Steelers. Pittsburgh, after hiring new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, rebuilt the quarterback depth chart. The Steelers signed Russell Wilson, then traded for Justin Fields. They also brought in Kyle Allen as a reserve QB. Last year’s quarterbacks are elsewhere. Pittsburgh sent Kenny Pickett to the Eagles via trade. They allowed Mason Rudolph (Titans) and Mitch Trubisky (Bills) to sign with other teams.

On3’s Suzanne Halliburton contributed to this report.