Newly-signed CB Beanie Bishop in line for unique future opportunity in New Orleans

By Ross Jackson

After signing with the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad, second-year cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. is settling in well in the Big Easy. He has a list of the top restaurants recommended by numerous folks familiar with the city and he’s been working hard to learn the playbook, reunited with his former cornerbacks coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Grady Brown, who is now the cornerback coach in New Orleans.

During his rookie year with the Steelers, Bishop spent over 400 snaps in the slot, a position that is well-manned by Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor. However, having depth and a future option is never a bad thing at one of the league’s top positions.

While the nickel corner spot may not earn the same average per year payment amounts as being an outside, boundary corner, there are defenses that treat the roles just as important as one another. Defensive coordinator Brandon Staley pioneers one of those kinds of defenses and that fact is not lost on Bishop.

“It’s kind of a featured spot here,” he said. “I feel like they call it a ‘STAR’for a reason. Kind of being the star of the defense with all of the things that you do–blitzing, playing man, playing these different coverages. It gives you the ability to make a lot of plays.”

Bishop joins safety Ugo Amadi as one of the few players that will be an option for filling should the Saints need help in the slot. 

Taylor has had a strong season in 2025, which makes him a great asset for New Orleans and Staley’s defense. However, in a contract year, it also raises his price tag as he and the Saints ponder their future. 

With Bishop only being in his second year, signed after he and the Steelers parted ways during his rookie contract, he has a chance to become a future option at the position should the Saints and Taylor split this offseason.

The Western Kentucky product has a unique chance ahead of him, but he’s not thinking about that. Instead, he’s focused on finishing the season strong in case his number is called, and to earn a training camp invite, where he could compete for the starting nickel job if it opens up.

“I look forward to being able to know the playbook,” he said. So I might be able to give guys a chance to see what I can do whenever the time comes.”