The Pittsburgh Steelers addressed some needs in the secondary during free agency, including signing Brandin Echols to a two-year deal. The exacts of that contract have been publicized by Over the Cap.
The website says that Echols' pact is worth $6 million, entailing a minimum base salary of $1.17 million this upcoming season and a $3 million base salary the next. Echols' $1.83 million signing bonus is the only guaranteed money in the agreement. Pertaining to the salary cap, he's on the books for $2.085 million in 2025 and $3.915 million in 2026.
Echols , a fifth-year professional, is a versatile coverman who can play cornerback on either the inside or outside. The Steelers will likely use him in the slot and on special teams. Echols played over 700 snaps with that unit while with the New York Jets , who drafted him in the sixth round in 2021.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens catches a touchdown pass against Brandin Echols of the New York Jets on Oct. 20, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Last season, Echols played on the perimeter as starters Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed were shelved with injuries. He gave up 24 completions on 40 passes thrown in his direction, allowing 324 yards and a passer rating of 90.0. The Steelers have Beanie Bishop, who was solid in the slot role as an undrafted rookie last season.
Echols has played in 59 career games, including 19 starts. He had two of his five career interceptions in 2024. In total, he has 122 tackles, 16 passes defended, and one fumble recovery.
The Steelers ranked 25th in the league in pass defense last season and are hoping that the addition of Echols and veteran Darius Slay bolster their secondary.
More must-reads:
