The Pittsburgh Steelers have undergone a major overhaul of their secondary heading into the 2025 season, with high-profile additions transforming what was once a glaring weakness into one of the most competitive units on the roster. However, not all of the new faces in Pittsburgh are being celebrated equally. One offseason acquisition, cornerback Brandin Echols, has already drawn criticism from some analysts—raising questions about his role, his future, and whether the Steelers may have overpaid.
Cody Williams of FanSided didn’t mince words when assessing the Steelers’ cornerback situation, calling the Echols signing a potential “waste of money.” In a recent article, Williams pointed to the team’s blockbuster trade for All-Pro corner Jalen Ramsey as the move that has further complicated Echols’ place in the depth chart. With Ramsey now in the fold, along with returning veterans and promising young players, the competition at cornerback is fierce.
“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 Darius Slay, Joey Porter Jr., and Jalen Ramsey are expected to lock down the starting roles on the outside and in the slot. Meanwhile, Beanie Bishop Jr. and James Pierre have a leg up due to their experience in Pittsburgh, and Cory Trice Jr. is still in the conversation as well. That puts Echols in a tough spot, battling with those three and rookie Donte Kent for what may be limited backup positions.”
Brandin Echols, who previously spent four seasons with the New York Jets, brings 57 games of NFL experience to Pittsburgh. In March, he signed a two-year, $6 million deal with the Steelers, including $1.83 million in guaranteed money. While the contract itself is modest by NFL standards, Williams argues that the guaranteed portion might compel the Steelers to keep Echols on the roster regardless of whether he ultimately earns a role on the field. That, according to Williams, is where the team risks wasting cap space.
Despite the criticism, the Echols signing initially marked a significant point in the Steelers’ secondary rebuild. His arrival signaled Pittsburgh’s intent to bring in experienced talent to bolster a unit that struggled at times in 2024. But in the months since, the Steelers have doubled down on their cornerback investments, culminating in the acquisition of Jalen Ramsey and the continued development of Joey Porter Jr., who emerged as a rising star last season.
Interestingly, the revamped Steelers secondary has already caught the attention of some of their fiercest rivals. Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase recently praised Pittsburgh’s cornerbacks, naming three of them among the best defensive backs in the league. However, Echols’ name was not mentioned—highlighting just how competitive his position has become.
For Echols, the real test begins when Steelers training camp kicks off on July 24. With roster spots up for grabs and depth chart positions far from settled, he has a prime opportunity to prove his critics wrong. If he can stand out among a crowded field of defensive backs, he may yet carve out a meaningful role in Pittsburgh’s new-look defense.
Until then, the debate continues over whether the Steelers’ investment in Echols will pay off—or become one of the more questionable moves of their offseason.