Story perspectives

Steelers sign Sean Murphy-Bunting for cornerback depth

By Drooid · Oct 5, 2026, 10:37 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Steelers signed veteran cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting from Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice squad.
The signing follows the trade of cornerback Joey Porter Jr. to the Dallas Cowboys.
Murphy-Bunting provides depth behind starters Asante Samuel Jr., Jalen Ramsey and injured Jamel Dean.
He has played 82 NFL games, started 65, and recorded 11 career interceptions.
He missed the entire 2025 season after being placed on the reserve/non-football injury list.

History

Historical Context

In 1994 the NFL instituted a hard salary cap, and the 2002 collective bargaining agreement tightened it, setting the cap at $71.1 million per team. That framework forced the Steelers, under GM Kevin Colbert, to spend $12 million that year to sign Troy Polamalu. The same cap discipline guides 2025 moves, such as trading Joey Porter Jr. and signing Sean Murphy-Bunting.

1 of 2

Story summary

Steelers signed veteran cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting from Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice squad.
The signing follows the trade of cornerback Joey Porter Jr. to the Dallas Cowboys.
Murphy-Bunting provides depth behind starters Asante Samuel Jr., Jalen Ramsey and injured Jamel Dean.
He has played 82 NFL games, started 65, and recorded 11 career interceptions.
He missed the entire 2025 season after being placed on the reserve/non-football injury list.

1 / 2