Beanie Bishop Jr. keeps finding the ball, and that’s exactly why the Bears gave him a shot.
In his preseason debut with Chicago on Aug. 9, the 26-year-old came away with interceptions of Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel against the Cleveland Browns. Both plays came late against Cleveland’s second- and third-team offense, so the outing needs the proper context. Even so, it was another clean reminder of the trait that helped Bishop build his name in Pittsburgh: he takes the football away.
That was the same skill set the Steelers once valued before releasing him from their practice squad to make room for Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Bishop’s path has since taken him to the New Orleans Saints, who signed him to their practice squad on Dec. 2 after his release by Pittsburgh, and then to Chicago, where injuries have forced the Bears to search for help in the secondary.
The Bears’ situation has created a real opening. Coby Bryant’s severe knee injury and other absences have opened valuable reps for Bishop, giving him a chance to carve out a more permanent role. His three-game suspension complicates that push, though, because Chicago would be carrying a late addition who won’t be available until Week 4.
Still, the production is hard to ignore. Bishop’s four interceptions as a rookie in 2024 made him one of Pittsburgh’s best rookie stories that season.
He finished with 45 tackles, two tackles for loss, seven passes defended, one fumble recovery, and one quarterback hit, with every one of those totals standing as a career high. His October surge also earned him NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month honors.
Two of those interceptions came in a Week 7 win over the New York Jets on Sunday Night Football, with Bishop picking off future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers twice. He followed that up with a game-sealing interception against the New York Giants on Monday night.
That turnover track record is why Chicago is taking a close look. Two more picks in preseason don’t lock down a roster spot, especially when they come in the fourth quarter of an exhibition game. But for a reserve defensive back, the quickest path to sticking is usually through turnovers and special teams, and Bishop has already shown he can make offenses pay.
The Bears now have to weigh that upside against the suspension. Keep him, and they’re holding onto a corner with proven ball skills who won’t be eligible right away. Move on, and they risk giving up on a player whose best NFL season already included four interceptions.
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