New Steelers cornerback Brandin Echols is planning to help recruit quarterback Aaron Rodgers to Pittsburgh.
The Pittsburgh Steelers signed New York Jets free-agent cornerback Brandin Echols to a two-year deal on Wednesday. But before he starts learning his new defense, he's planning to help better his new team's roster.
Echols played with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers for the past two seasons in New York , so he's going to help the Steelers recruit him to Pittsburgh.
"Hell yeah," Echols said. "Tell his ass come on."
The Steelers are stuck waiting on Rodgers to make a decision on where he wants to play in 2025. Rodgers seems to have his choices narrowed down between Pittsburgh and the New York Giants . Maybe Echols can prove to be the difference.
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Oct. 20, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
The 27-year-old revealed his relationship with Rodgers only got stronger the more time they spent together in New York.
"It was cool. When he first got there, I couldn't really feel him out, but after a while, we kind of gravitated towards each other," Echols said. "In practices he tried to attack me. But it was for the betterment of me, and I will say, having him around, it did make me a better football player."
Only time will tell whether Rodgers is interested in reuniting with his former teammate in Pittsburgh, but it's safe to say Echols is willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen.
Echols, who played his college ball at Kentucky, was a sixth-round draft pick (No. 200 overall) by the Jets in 2021. He played in 57 games and started 19 during his time in New York. Thirteen of those starts came in his rookie year.
In his four-year NFL career , Echols has recorded 121 tackles (91 solo), one fumble recovery, five interceptions, 16 passes defensed and two touchdowns. Last season, he had 40 tackles, two interceptions and three passes defensed in 16 games.
Alan Saunders provided reporting from Pittsburgh.
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