Beanie Bishop Jr., a former cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, has joined the New Orleans Saints practice squad. This move comes after his unexpected release from the Steelers, which was reported by NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero.
Beanie Bishop’s Journey with the Steelers
Bishop, an undrafted rookie, had a promising start in the NFL. During his time with the Steelers, he played in all 17 games under head coach Mike Tomlin, starting six. His stats included:
- 4 interceptions
- 7 pass breakups
- 2 tackles for loss
- 1 fumble recovery
Initially, he was anticipated to be a key player heading into the 2025 season. However, competition increased when the Steelers brought in seasoned veterans and rookies, such as Jalen Ramsey and seventhround pick Donte Kent. These additions led to Bishop being relegated on the depth chart.
The Reason for His Release
On November 3, 2023, the Steelers opted to cut ties with Bishop. The decision raised eyebrows among fans, especially as Tomlin refused to elaborate on the release. He stated, “I’m not getting into practice squad decisions.” This lack of clarity has left many puzzled, particularly in light of the quick exits of other veteran players like Darius Slay and Juan Thornhill.
Bishop’s Future with the Saints
Now in New Orleans, Bishop hopes to make an impact with the Saints. His performance in this new environment will be closely watched, especially by Steelers fans who question why he was discarded.
Updates on the Steelers
In related news, Donte Kent is poised to return from injured reserve. He has been sidelined for the entire season due to a foot injury. The Steelers have designated him to return, opening a practice window of 21 days. His activation will be crucial for his chances to secure a spot on the active roster.
The Steelers must make a decision about Kent soon, especially given their playoff aspirations. If he is not activated within the 21day timeframe, he will remain on IR, pushing any potential debut to the 2026 season.