The Steelers signed free agent veteran cornerback Brandin Echols, formerly of the New York Jets, to a to-year contract.
Echols, 27, was a sixth-round draft pick of the Jets in 2021 out of Kentucky and has experience both outside and in the slot.
The 5-10, 179-pound corner has appeared in 59 career games, making 19 starts. He has five career interceptions, including two in 2024, and 16 pass defenses.
Echols played 407 defensive snaps for the Jets in 2024, showing the versatility he has throughout his career to play inside or outside, giving Echols the flexibility to fill in on the outside or compete for a starting role on the in
Steelers signed free agent cornerback Brandin Echols
New York Jets' Brandin Echols, right, defends Cincinnati Bengals' Ja'Marr Chase during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Jets cornerback Brandin Echols (26)defends during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Jets' Brandin Echols in action during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
New York Jets cornerback Brandin Echols (26) reacts during warm-ups prior to an NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper)
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Albert Wilson (2) is unable to catch a pass as New York Jets cornerback Brandin Echols (26) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New York Jets cornerback Brandin Echols (26) breaks up a pass intended for Green Bay Packers wide receiver Allen Lazard during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
New York Jets' Brandin Echols, center, celebrates his interception during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Jets cornerback Brandin Echols (26) reacts against the Cincinnati Bengals during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Jets cornerback Brandin Echols (25) in action against the New York Giants during a preseason NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Jets' Brandin Echols in action during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
He allowed 24 completions on 40 pass attempts in his coverage for 324 yards and a passer rating of 90.0 during the 2024 season, mostly playing outside in place of injured starters Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed.
Echols adds critical depth to the Steelers' defensive backfield and gives them another viable option in the slot to compete with second-year pro Beanie Bishop with the added bonus of having shown the ability to play outside, as well.
A solid special teams player, as well, Echols, who ran a 4.36-second 40 at his pro day to go along with a 41 ½-inch vertical jump, something that makes him play bigger than his size on the outside.
He appeared on the punt, kick and field goal block units for the Jets in 2024 and should be capable of holding down spots on all phases of the Steelers' special teams units.
