Establishing a Standard: The Saints’ Pre-Camp Roster Shakeup

As NFL players report for training camp, front offices across the league quietly adjust the bottom five to ten spots on their 90-man rosters. On paper, the New Orleans Saints waiving cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. and signing defensive back Mike Reid looks like standard late-July administration. But examine the context around both players, and this transaction offers a clear window into what the Saints' front office and coaching staff are prioritizing as the 2026 season gets underway.

1. Moving On from the Distraction: Waiving Beanie Bishop

When New Orleans picked up Beanie Bishop Jr. late last season, the move carried intriguing potential. Bishop broke onto the NFL scene in 2024 with four interceptions as an undrafted rookie in Pittsburgh, showing genuine ball-hawking instincts in the slot. However, his trajectory derailed due to consistency issues, a midseason release from the Steelers' practice squad, and an off-field setback, a three-game NFL suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy heading into 2026.