The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the offseason determined to overhaul their cornerback unit for 2025. They landed Darius Slay in free agency, drafted Joey Porter Jr., signed Brandin Echols to a two-year, $6 million deal, and then pulled off a blockbuster trade for All-Pro Jalen Ramsey, raising big questions about Echols’ future.
Who Is Brandin Echols?
Echols was a sixth-round pick by the Jets in 2021 from Kentucky. Over four seasons in New York, he logged just 122 tackles, 16 passes defended, and five interceptions. He’s been a core special-teamer, but never a consistent top defender .
In March 2025, he signed a two-year, $6 million contract with Pittsburgh. For 2025, his cap hit is $2.085 million, with $1.83 million fully guaranteed.
How Ramsey Changes Things
On June 30, 2025, Steelers acquired Jalen Ramsey (and TE Jonnu Smith) from Miami, sending Minkah Fitzpatrick and a swap of late-round picks in return. Ramsey received a $1.5 million raise, pushing his 2025 salary to $26.6 million.
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This blockbuster trade crowded the CB room heavily. Expected starters are Ramsey, Slay, and Porter Jr., with veterans like James Pierre, Cory Trice Jr., and up-and-comer Beanie Bishop Jr. also competing for backup spots. Rookie Donte Kent adds another name to the mix.
Is Echols a Waste of Money?
Echols’ contract is low-risk cap-wise. The salary cap hit is modest, and with most of his contract guaranteed, cutting him now would massively waste those guarantees . So, it’s unlikely he’ll be released outright before camp.
That said, analysis from Yahoo Sports suggests his job is “in danger,” noting the crowded position group after acquiring Ramsey. He’s on the bubble as a depth option or a special-teams player at best—no longer a developmental starter.
What It Means for the Steelers
- Depth: Even if Echols makes the roster, he’s unlikely to see meaningful snaps.
- Trade candidate: With guarantees built in, the Steelers might try to flip him rather than cut him.
- Money well spent? Given the performance history and current roster makeup, many view this deal as a front office misstep—perhaps locking up a depth player who won’t significantly contribute.
