Steelers Cornerback May Face Role Uncertainty In Competitive Secondary

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made some key moves to shore up their defense in 2026. One of the brighter spots of 2025 was the secondary, with cornerback Joey Porter Jr. leading the charge as the team's top shutdown defender. The room featured veterans, like Jalen Ramsey, and only got better by adding free agent Jamel Dean this offseason. The room is primed for a big year with solid players from the top down. With Porter continuing to get better and a running mate like Dean, they'll likely be in an even better position than the 2025 group.

With the defense becoming loaded at the cornerback position, the Steelers are hoping for a no-fly zone. Dean was one of the highest-rated players at his position in 2025, along with Porter, who was also highly touted. The duo should make things difficult for the opposition, and with the depth they have there, it'll ensure that the opposing passing attacks are shut down against any opponent. 

One of the corners who may get the short end of the stick because of this depth though, was one of Pittsburgh's biggest surprises of last season. The nickel corner played better than expected and earned more reps with Ramsey moving to safety. That player is Brandin Echols. Echols was signed in the 2025 offseason after playing with the New York Jets in 2024. He stepped up big with two interceptions and six pass deflections, but he may find himself with an uncertain role. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's Chris Harlan wrote on this situation recently in an article.

"For the second summer in a row, the question is, where does Echols fit into a crowded secondary? He’ll likely play a rotational role and potentially back up Jalen Ramsey as the team’s nickel, if that becomes Ramsey’s primary position. Echols’ workload increased a year ago when Ramsey moved to free safety, but the Steelers have shored up that position in recent months. Defensive coaches have talked about moving Ramsey around to multiple positions, which might impact Echols’ role, if so," Harlan wrote. 

Echols' role may be smaller based on where Ramsey ends up. With him being so versatile, there's a chance that Echols finds himself in the same spot as 2025, but with Ramsey being all over, he could find a home at the nickel. 

Echols had a breakout year despite a smaller role in the defense. He marked some of his best totals since his rookie year in 2021. He'll make the team, no doubt, but with how crowded the room has become, his 26% share of special teams snaps may go up. He's fast and can be a factor on nickel blitzes, but his snap count on defense may go down, especially with rookie corner Daylen Everette already making his mark throughout offseason activities. 

Echols is a great player to have, and should a Steelers corner go down, he'll be a great depth piece who can be a spot starter. However, it may be hard for him in this situation to get the 522 snaps he did in 2025.

Steelers Have Preached Versatility 

One of the mantras of the new coaching staff is versatility. Ramsey is one of the key proponents of this, as he'll be used in the "star" role, meaning he'll line up in multiple positions on defense, whether that be as an outside corner, a nickel corner, or as a safety. This could be a positive for Echols, though, as he is also versatile. The season will dictate where he'll line up, but this could be key to helping him earn more snaps, despite fears over a potential role reduction. 

The Steelers' secondary will be fun to watch with the sheer number of talented players they have in the room. Depth is always good, and having an established player like Echols is only a positive. 

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