The New Orleans Saints finished the 2025 season with a 6-11 record, but they’re entering the offseason with a sense of optimism. The main reason why is that the team may have found a quarterback. Second-round pick Tyler Shough put together a really promising rookie season, finishing with a 5-4 record, so everyone is excited to see what he and Kellen Moore can do in year two.
With the team’s offseason now starting, the Saints have already turned the page to the 2026 season, recently signing eight players to reserve/futures contracts. In the NFL, a reserve/future contract is a deal for the next league year with a player who wasn’t on an active roster in the current season.
That means the eight guys New Orleans signed will be part of the offseason program, with a chance to make the active roster in 2026.
Saints start 2026 offseason with eight signings to future contracts
Here’s a look at the eight players New Orleans added on reserve/future contracts:
• Cornerback Dalys Beanum
• Cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr.
• Wide receiver Elijah Cooks
• Safety Elliott Davison
• Defensive tackle Coziah Izzard
• Offensive tackle Easton Kitty
• Cornerback Jayden Price
• Offensive tackle Barry Wesley
All eight players have spent time on New Orleans’ practice squad already, so there is familiarity with the organization. Many of the players have also went through at least one offseason with the team before being cut after training camp and re-signed to the practice squad. Entering the 2026 offseason, they all have the opportunity to carve out bigger roles for themselves and make the active roster.
New Orleans clearly placed an emphasis on the secondary, with four of these eight future contracts coming in the defensive backfield. That shows the Saints’ attempt to build depth in the secondary.
One of those defensive backs is Beanie Bishop Jr., who at one point looked like a massive steal. Bishop signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2024, and made the 53-man roster. The defensive back didn’t just make the roster, though, he was an impact player, starting six games and playing in all 17. He ended up being waived the next training camp, and eventually found his way to New Orleans’ practice squad. Now, his journey will continue alongside the other players signed to future deals.