Saints free agent addition just got punished by the NFL before he even plays a snap for New Orleans
The Saints got a small dose of bad news on Tuesday.
In the NFL, every opportunity is important. For one free agent addition for the New Orleans Saints, his chance to prove he should be on the team’s active roster to start next season just took a hit following the latest report.
NFL suspends Saints defensive back Beanie Bishop
According to Tom Pelissero, the NFL is suspending defensive back Beanie Bishop for three games to begin the 2026 season. The Saints signed Bishop to their practice squad in early December of 2025.
The reasoning for the suspension is currently unknown.
“Bishop, 5’10, 184, originally signed as an undrafted free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers following the 2024 NFL Draft out of West Virginia. As a rookie in 2024, he played in 17 games with six starts, recording 39 tackles (25 solo), two stops for a loss, a half-sack, seven pass breakups, and four interceptions, earning 2024 Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie team honors.”
— New Orleans Saints website
Bishop was expected to compete as depth at defensive back for the Saints defense during this offseason. He could also play a role on special teams in 2026 for New Orleans. Bishop was not expected to contend for a starting role, regardless, though.
That being said, losing those first three games could be catastrophic for his chances to jump onto the 53-man. Instead, it is possible that the Saints cut ties to add a depth DB who could suit up to begin next season if necessary.