The Steelers have completely overhauled their secondary in 2025 — but one particular signing has come under scrutiny following the blockbuster trade for Jalen Ramsey.
According to Cody Williams of FanSided, Steelers CB Brandin Echols is the odd man out in a loaded secondary — despite signing with Pittsburgh last March.
“…It’s getting more difficult by the day to see how Echols fits into the mix at all with the Steelers,” Williams wrote. “Some combination of Slay, Porter Jr., and Ramsey are expected to start on the outside and in the slot at cornerback. Meanwhile, Beanie Bishop Jr. and James Pierre have the experience in Pittsburgh that gives them some sort of edge as backups, the same of which is somewhat true for Cory Trice Jr. That puts Echols in a position to battle with those three and seventh-round rookie Donte Kent for spots on the depth chart.”
Echols, who’s played in 57 games with the Jets from 2021 to 2024, signed with the Steelers this offseason on a two-year, $6 million deal — with $1.83 million in guarantees. And it’s the guaranteed money that Williams believes will keep the Steelers committed to Echols — even if he considers the contract a “waste of money,” as written in the headline of his article.
Despite the debate over his Steel City future, Echols’ arrival served as a turning point for the Steelers’ retooled secondary this offseason — which caught the eye of Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase, who recently named three of Pittsburgh’s cornerbacks as the best in the NFL.
Echols has the perfect opportunity to change the narrative — as Steelers training camp, which kicks off on July 24, could serve as his proving ground.
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