Trajan Bandy in good situation signing UFA with Pittsburgh Steelers

After failing to get drafted this weekend former Miami Hurricanes cornerback Trajan Bandy landed in a good situation signing as an undrafted free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Former Miami Hurricanes cornerback Trajan Bandy put himself in a good situation to make an NFL roster in 2020 by signing as an undrafted free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittsburgh did not select a CB in the 2020 NFL Draft. James Pierre of Florida Atlantic was the only other CB the Steelers signed as an undrafted free agent.

Pittsburgh enters the 2020 NFL season with eight CBs on their roster. That includes future Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe Haden who is nearing the end of his legendary career. Haden turned 31 earlier this month. The Steelers other CB Steven Nelson is entering his sixth season in 2020 after signing as a free agent in 2019.

Trajan Bandy enters the NFL after being the sole new starter in the Miami secondary in 2018 and the Hurricanes only returning starter in the defensive backfield in 2019. Bandy led Miami in pass breakups in 2018 and 2019 with eight and nine after recording six PBUs in 2017 as a freshman.

Bandy will forever be known for his pick-six in the 41-8 Miami victory over Notre Dame in 2017. The decision to leave Coral Gables was one that Bandy had to make to help his family. In a since-deleted Instagram post as quoted by the Miami Herald Bandy stated was unexpected but necessary.

"“(My) plan’ (had) always been to play four years in college and graduate, but life has a way of throwing you off your plans.’ Due to a number of unforeseen off the field circumstances and discussions with my family, I am foregoing my senior season and entering the 2020 NFL Draft.’’"

In three seasons with the Miami football team, Bandy had 90 tackles, nine tackles for loss, three sacks, four interceptions, 26 PBUs, a forced fumble and three fumble recoveries playing in all 39 Hurricanes games. Bandy led a young Miami secondary to finish as the nation’s 18th best pass defense nationally in 2019.

The Steelers’ third and fourth team CBs were primarily undrafted. Pittsburgh will have less invested in them giving Bandy a better chance to make the Steelers. Bandy is a skilled CB that graded out well in pass coverage by Pro Football Focus. Bandy is also able to support the running game despite being sub 5’8.