Editor’s note: From now until reporting day to training camp at Saint Vincent College, TribLive is running through the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 90-man roster, looking at each player and assessing his outlook for the 2026 season. The breakdown will run in alphabetical order with two players each day between June 13 and July 28. Contract data courtesy spotrac.com.
CB BRANDIN ECHOLS
Experience/age: sixth season, 28
Contract status: $3.92 million cap hit in 2026; scheduled to be unrestricted free agent in 2027
The past: When Echols joined the team as a free agent last offseason, the versatile cornerback didn’t know whether he’d line up outside or in the slot. Ultimately, he did some of each, while playing 16 games with three starts. He had 48 tackles, six pass defenses, two interceptions and one forced fumble while playing on 45% of the team’s defensive snaps.
Echols played outside for a combined 116 snaps in weeks 2-4, contributing a couple of key plays in a win over the Patriots when Joey Porter Jr. was out. Echols intercepted Drake Maye in the end zone with 12 seconds left in the first half, then tackled receiver DeMario Douglas short of the sticks on fourth-and-1 with 1:07 remaining in a one-possession game.
The 5-foot-10, 179-pound Echols later shifted back to slot corner and averaged 30 snaps per game there over the final 10 games. He played 44 snaps in the team’s playoff loss while giving up eight receptions for 143 yards and a touchdown, according to Pro Football Focus. He received his lowest single-game rating of the season from PFF despite intercepting a Texans pass.
2026 outlook: For the second summer in a row, the question is where does Echols fit into a crowded secondary.
He’ll likely play a rotational role and potentially back up Jalen Ramsey as the team’s nickel, if that becomes Ramsey’s primary position. Echols’ workload increased a year ago when Ramsey moved to free safety, but the Steelers have shored up that position in recent months. Defensive coaches have talked about moving Ramsey around to multiple positions, which might impact Echols’ role, if so.
On the outside, the team added to its stable of corners. Former Buccaneers free agent Jamel Dean joins Porter as the presumed starters with Asante Samuel Jr. and third-round draft pick Daylen Everette adding depth on the outside.
Echols has played 73 career games with 22 starts. He participated on 25% of special teams snaps a year ago, seeing action covering kicks and punts and on the punt return unit.