Ronnie Bell ends preseason with statement performance

INGLEWOOD, CA - AUGUST 22: Ronnie Bell #11 of the New Orleans Saints warms up prior to an NFL preseason game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams on August 22, 2026, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Greg Fiore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The New Orleans Saints ended the 2026 preseason on a high note, defeating the Dallas Cowboys 27-24 on Friday.

This week's breakout player had an eye-opening performance, though it ultimately wasn't enough to save him from the chopping block:WR Ronnie Bell.

Bell was released by the Saints on Saturday as the team begins trimming its roster down to 53 players. While that news is undoubtedly disappointing for the former seventh-round pick, his performance in the victory over the Dallas Cowboys was still worth highlighting and could ultimately earn him a spot on the practice squad.

Bell finished the game withsix receptions on seven targets for 65 yards, including a long of 23 yards. More importantly, he consistently moved the chains, recordingfour first-down conversionswhile also recording a contested catch. The 26-year-old posted ateam-high 91.7 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, along with a91.4 receiving grade.

That makes his release a little more notable. Bell was competing for a roster spot in a crowded Saints receiver room, and while his performance against Dallas gave him a strong finish to the preseason, the Saints ultimately went in another direction.

Still, Bell put some quality film on tape. Cuts like this don't necessarily mean a player's chances with the team are over, but the timing is certainly unfortunate.

Now, he'll have to wait for the next opportunity to prove it again.