The New Orleans Saints have signed former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop to their practice squad. Bishop was released a month ago by the Steelers from their practice squad.
Bishop had been with the team all season on their practice squad and was their starting slot cornerback in 2024. His release made room for Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
Overall, Bishop played 45 snaps across two games this preseason, but defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said before the team’s final preseason game that it would be important for Bishop as he made a push towards the roster.
“He’s really going against some pretty good competition at the nickel now that you throw No. 5 (Jalen Ramsey) in there and then you throw (Brandin Echols) in there,” Austin said. “He’s really got to fight and work to make some splash to put himself in the picture.”
Bishop was the starting slot cornerback as an undrafted free agent last year, netting four interceptions over his first NFL season. He played a significant role on the team, and if he wants to make the group, Austin said the same splash needed to shine through..
“He’e been working his tail off,” Austin added. “When you’re not a starter, I think the biggest thing that’s got to happen for you is, all these preseason games are big because you have an opportunity to distance yourself from other people in game play. We see you in practice every day. We know what you do in practice, but how do you distance yourself in the game situation? Do you really show up on game day? So these preseason games are gonna be big for Beanie in the sense that he’s got one left to show us good stuff and I’m sure he will give it his all.”
Bishop had four interceptions during his first season as a starter, but was unable to parlay that after the Steelers significantly invested in the slot cornerback position to try and replace or push Bishop.