Steelers May Have Found A Solution On Defense In Newly Signed Versatile Cornerback

The Pittsburgh Steelers have consistently had one of the highest-paid defenses in the entire NFL, but there is one position that the organization has always fumbled in a way. The Steelers have rarely gone after direct solutions at slot cornerback, as players like Mike Hilton and Beanie Bishop Jr. were diamonds in the rough. Cam Sutton was an exception during his first stint in Pittsburgh as he was drafted in the third round, but started his career as an outside corner.

Bishop and Sutton split the duties at slot cornerback during the 2024 season, and it was certainly a weak point on the defense at times. Pittsburgh definitely needed to bring in some competition for Bishop ahead of the 2025 season, and the organization did that with former New York Jets cornerback Brandin Echols.

Echols should be able to come in and challenge Bishop or the starting job immediately. He has been with the Jets throughout his entire four-year career, and he has recorded five interceptions in his career to go along with 122 total tackles. He has experience in the slot and on the outside, which is what Pittsburgh likes.

Bishop has spoken about his desire to improve in his second season with Pittsburgh, but he is going to have to fight to get his starting spot back. Echols has four years of experience under his belt, and it isn't going to be easy to jump him on the depth chart. Bishop lost his starting job to Sutton when he returned from his suspension, and he never quite got it back, although Sutton was clearly struggling. This shows the coaching staff has a desire to upgrade the position.

Steelers Likely Looking To Replace Beanie Bishop Jr. 

Bishop had a pretty impressive rookie season just by looking at the stat sheet. The undrafted rookie recorded four interceptions, with all of them coming in primetime games. He certainly made a name for himself, but unless he shows major improvements, he is not a player the Steelers can continue to start. He struggled with tackling, and there were times where he just looked lost in coverage. This can be expected from an undrafted rookie, which is why a sophomore jump is crucial for Bishop. 

Hopefully Echols comes in and motivates Bishop to improve. Echols can also play on special teams, so he is beneficial to Pittsburgh's roster whether he wins the starting slot cornerback job or not.

What do you think of the signing for Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments below!

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