With all the drama surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers entering Week 5, the team could use a no-nonsense presence in the locker room. Veteran corner Sean Murphy-Bunting appears ready to deliver that for Pittsburgh.
When asked this week what fans should know about him before he makes his Steelers debut, Murphy-Bunting kept the message pretty plain and simple yet direct.
“I would really just say I’m a competitor. Man, I don’t really, I don’t take [expletive],” he told reporters, via 93.7 The Fan. “I like to show up, I like to be in people’s faces, and I just like to play ball.
“I don’t really complain; I don’t make excuses; I try to make plays, and that’s just really how I stand on things.”
Sean Murphy-Bunting Sends Steelers Fans Refreshing Message Before Debut
Murphy-Bunting’s message should be a breath of fresh air for most Steelers fans before the team faces the Indianapolis Colts, particularly the last part of it.
A big reason why the Steelers had to bring in the veteran cornerback was because Joey Porter Jr. didn’t show up and wasn’t completely direct about his contract. While the cornerback was well within his rights to feel disrespected by the lack of guaranteed money after the first year of his contract offer, Porter lost a lot of respect in the Steelers fan base with his phantom back injury.
It sounds like Murphy-Bunting doesn’t have that kind of attitude. He might not have Porter’s talent, but he’s going to be available to the team trying to get better every day.
Murphy-Bunting has started 65 games in his NFL career for three different teams. He helped the Tampa Bay Buccaneers win the Super Bowl during the 2020 season. The cornerback had 70 combined tackles with three pass defenses and one interception in 13 starts that season.
Last year, he had 52 combined tackles, five pass defenses and three interceptions in 15 starts with the Arizona Cardinals.
The Steelers signed Murphy-Bunting off the Buccaneers practice squad on Monday. To poach Murphy-Bunting, the Steelers had to add the cornerback to their active roster. Rules also require Pittsburgh to retain the cornerback on the active roster for at least three weeks.
Steelers CB Plan in Week 3 vs. Indianapolis Colts
While Murphy-Bunting has a lot of starting experience, the Steelers are likely to stay with Asante Samuel Jr. and rookie Daylen Everette as their starting outside cornerbacks. But if there are any issues, Murphy-Bunting will be available as a plug-and-play option.
The Steelers could also slide veteran Jalen Ramsey back outside and play Brandin Echols in the slot.
Pittsburgh has played the entire 2026 regular season without Porter. Week 5, though, will be the team’s first game without Jamel Dean as well. The Steelers entered the regular season with Porter and Dean their projected starting outside cornerbacks.
In addition to Murphy-Bunting, the Steelers also signed Terell Smith off the Washington Commanders practice squad this week. Smith will give Pittsburgh another outside cornerback option with some starting experience.
From 2023-24, Smith started six games for the Chicago Bears. In 2023, he had 49 combined tackles with six pass defenses.
Steelers New CB Sean Murphy-Bunting Fires Clear Message Before Team Debut