What Is Brandin Echols’ Role For The 2026 Season?
Brandin Echols arguably had a career year in 2025. Or, at the least, a very good one that made him a shrewd offseason signing. While he took lumps against Ladd McConkey and Christian Kirk in the Wild Card game, the bulk of his play was positive. He served as Pittsburgh’s slot corner for most of the year, especially after Jalen Ramsey shifted full-time to safety.
He finished the year with six pass breakups, two interceptions, three tackles for a loss, one sack, and one forced fumble.
Ramsey’s lick on New York Jets WR Garrett Wilson is well remembered, as it sealed the Steelers’ first win of 2025, but Echols had a crucial fourth-down stop for Pittsburgh to secure its second victory against future AFC champs, the New England Patriots.
What a great play by Brandin Echols on the final 4th down tackle. He doesn't have flat here (Steelers running some sort of zone pressure). But reads it, drives, and makes a great tackle in space to secure the win. pic.twitter.com/EihYy97LLQ
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) September 22, 2025
After Pittsburgh’s offseason secondary investments of Jamel Dean, Daylen Everette, Jaquan Brisker, re-signing Asante Samuel Jr., and retaining Ramsey, where does Echols fit in? Could he function as the Steelers’ starting slot cornerback? Ramsey may float there, especially if the Steelers explore ways to get Jaquan Brisker on the field. Everette is a third-round pick, and those guys don’t often sit for long. His slot background is limited, but Pittsburgh could give him a chance.
Echols could be viewed as inexpensive and excellent depth while providing short-term value on special teams. He has to hope there’s more meat on the bone. Turning 29 in October and entering a contract year, the 2027 offseason is his last chance at a strong payday. The more he plays, and the more he produces, the better for his wallet.
Pittsburgh has options and choices. A new coaching staff means guys like Echols are starting over from scratch, with the plays he made in 2025 no longer “banked” to begin this season. Echols must hope the Steelers’ new plan includes him out of the gate.
The Steelers have a long road ahead of them under Mike McCarthy, along with his cadre of quarterbacks.With seven consecutive postseason losses and no wins in nearly a decade, they are under fire for their repeated playoff failures. While we have seen many changes, none could dream of topping Mike Tomlin resigning.
We’re already deep into the offseason, with free agency and the draft already reshaping rosters. The Steelers, of course, are used to early offseason mode as a team thatloses by the middle of January all the time. Enjoy the ride, even the turbulence, because it’s the only way we know how to travel anymore.
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