Steelers Inventory Watch – CB Brandin Echols

Participant: CB Brandin Echols

Inventory Worth: Up

Reasoning: A 2019 free-agent signing, Brandin Echols is attempting to earn his method not simply onto particular groups, however the protection. Within the two practices earlier than an off day, the veteran defensive again made some huge performs. If he retains exhibiting up, he’ll possible earn some nickel and dime snaps when the common season begins.

Following the commerce for Jalen Ramsey, the trail to enjoying time for Brandin Echols grew extra difficult. Previous to that transfer, he would have been in competitors to start out within the slot. Now, in all chance, Ramsey will spend most of his time there.

In some packages, or with some matchups, nevertheless, the Steelers may make use of anyone else. Brandin Echols may very well be that anyone else, if the final two practices are truthful to go by. Incomes reward from Mike Tomlin for 2 days in a row, he confirmed he could make performs on the ball.

Going through a uncommon deep go on Saturday, Echols chased down a ball meant for Roman Wilson and compelled an incompletion. Throughout yesterday’s outing, he nabbed an interception, demonstrating some ball expertise. Contemplating the Steelers are a workforce that fingers out shirts if you get one, I’m positive that was a welcome sight.

Brandin Echols does have 5 interceptions in 1,379 defensive snaps throughout his profession, plus 16 passes defensed. Having spent his whole profession with the Jets over 4 years, he has seen his function shift. Final season, he solely performed 407 snaps, however nonetheless managed two interceptions.

Equally vital, Echols averages round 200 particular groups snaps per season. The Steelers signed him to a two-year, $6 million contract, of which over $1.8 comes as a signing bonus. Together with the bonus, he’ll web a complete of $3 million in 2025 with a $3 million base wage for 2026.

And whereas he’s right here, they actually count on him to contribute on particular groups. Relying on how the remainder of the secondary shakes out, Brandin Echols might dislodge James Pierre from the roster. Not solely can he play Pierre’s gunner function, he additionally has extra upside as a defensive contributor.

With coaching camp underway and the Steelers exploring their new roster, it’s as soon as once more time to “take inventory”. It took some time, however we lastly noticed a few of that change the workforce talked about after the season ended. Definitely, the transfer to commerce for WR DK Metcalf qualifies as a change, to not point out the accompanying contract. Oh, and so they additionally traded some man named George Pickens, which individuals discovered important.

As we converse, we’re within the strategy of studying what this Steelers workforce goes to seem like. The mud is settled on each free company and the 2025 NFL Draft, and now we’re in camp. What different strikes may the workforce make, maybe sudden acquisitions or departures? They’ve actually made a flurry of strikes, although some query whether or not they make a lot distinction. It is a Steelers workforce ravenous for postseason success, however how determined are they for a playoff win in 2025?