The Minnesota Vikings have just four cornerbacks on their roster as of August 31, and while that’s likely to change, they might want to consider adding one young DB in particular.
Beanie Bishop is currently tucked away on the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ practice squad, but he’s the kind of player who doesn’t stay hidden for long. For a Vikings team thin at corner and built around Brian Flores’ demand for aggressive, play-making defensive backs, Bishop should be on the Vikings’ radar.
What makes Bishop such an intriguing option is the fact that he’s already proven he can climb every rung of the ladder, from overlooked recruit to college All-American to playmaker in the NFL.
The Vikings don’t just need another body at corner — they need someone with upside who won’t shrink in big moments. Bishop’s history shows that when given an opportunity, he has consistently delivered. Let’s break down why the Vikings should poach him from the Steelers.
A Look at Bishop’s Journey to the NFL
GettyPittsburgh Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop is available for the Minnesota Vikings if they want to sign him.
At Western Kentucky, Bishop steadily built a reputation as a scrappy corner who refused to back down from anything or anyone. He logged 76 tackles, 12 pass breakups and three interceptions across 36 games for the Hilltoppers before transferring to Minnesota for a single season in 2022.
His true breakout came the following year at West Virginia, where Bishop turned into a Consensus All-American. He led the nation in passes defended (24), picked off four passes and racked up 67 total tackles.
Despite putting up solid numbers, Bishop went undrafted in 2024. That didn’t stop him from making an immediate impact with the Steelers, though. He made the 53-man roster, played all 17 games, starting six, and finished with 45 tackles, seven passes defended and four interceptions — including a memorable stretch in October where he intercepted Aaron Rodgers twice in one primetime game.
That run earned him NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month honors, showing he wasn’t just another camp body but a legit contributor who could hold his own against top competition.
That’s partly why his getting cut came as a shock to many fans and analysts.
Minnesota Vikings Should Sign CB Beanie Bishop Off Steelers’ Practice Squad
Bishop has quick feet, is sticky with his coverage and has decent instincts — and that’s what defensive coordinator Brian Flores likes in his DBs. Bishop isn’t just a coverage guy either. His willingness to play downhill and mix it up in the run game also matches what Flores asks of his nickel corners.
The Vikings went light at corner on cutdown day, carrying just four on the 53-man roster — a razor-thin number for a league where nickel and dime looks are essentially base defense. Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers are capable starters, but depth behind them is shaky at best. Bishop would give them an instant option in the slot, and he could also contribute on special teams, which makes him even more valuable as a game-day active.
Practice squad players can be signed to any team’s active roster, with only a three-week salary guarantee. For a 25-year-old who has already produced in both college and the NFL, signing Bishop feels like a no-brainer for the Vikings.
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