After making his contract with the Steelers official, Brandin Echols just addressed the media here at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
After the Jets didn't make Echols an offer that would entice him enough to keep him in New York, the Steelers swooped in and made him an offer he couldn't refuse.
"I'm coming in, obviously, to compete for a starting spot. That's where I see myself as," Echols said Thursday. "That's where I've always seen myself as since I came into the league. I'm glad they took the chance on me to sign me. I'm just here ready to ball and compete."
Echols spoke on his versatility, how he can fit in the Pittsburgh defense on the outside or in the slot. He said he's more comfortable on the outside, but the Steelers have two unquestioned starters there in Joey Porter Jr. and the newly signed Darius Slay. He can, however, compete with Beanie Bishop for the starting job as the slot cornerback. Ironically, thanks to having the same agency, Bishop has been one of the first ones to reach out to Echols after agreeing to terms.
A starting spot on the defense won't be all Echols can contribute. He has been a special teams contributor throughout his career, and expects to contribute more with the Steelers.
"I take pride in special teams. That's what got me here today," Echols said. "With the Jets, I was able to play special teams and make myself available on gameday just in case any guys got hurt. And, if any did, take advantage of it."
No matter how Echols contributes, he's looking forward to fitting in the Steelers' culture, what they value and how they play defense.
"They get after it, man. And that's exactly how I play. I just like to run to the ball. I like to hit. When the ball's in the sky, I like to go get it," Echols said. "Coming into this, I plan on being a major contributor to the success of this defense."
For all of Echols' answers from Thursday's press conference:
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THE ASYLUM
Chris Halicke
2:24 pm - 03.13.2025South SideEchols emphasizes versatility
After making his contract with the Steelers official, Brandin Echols just addressed the media here at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
After the Jets didn't make Echols an offer that would entice him enough to keep him in New York, the Steelers swooped in and made him an offer he couldn't refuse.
"I'm coming in, obviously, to compete for a starting spot. That's where I see myself as," Echols said Thursday. "That's where I've always seen myself as since I came into the league. I'm glad they took the chance on me to sign me. I'm just here ready to ball and compete."
Echols spoke on his versatility, how he can fit in the Pittsburgh defense on the outside or in the slot. He said he's more comfortable on the outside, but the Steelers have two unquestioned starters there in Joey Porter Jr. and the newly signed Darius Slay. He can, however, compete with Beanie Bishop for the starting job as the slot cornerback. Ironically, thanks to having the same agency, Bishop has been one of the first ones to reach out to Echols after agreeing to terms.
A starting spot on the defense won't be all Echols can contribute. He has been a special teams contributor throughout his career, and expects to contribute more with the Steelers.
"I take pride in special teams. That's what got me here today," Echols said. "With the Jets, I was able to play special teams and make myself available on gameday just in case any guys got hurt. And, if any did, take advantage of it."
No matter how Echols contributes, he's looking forward to fitting in the Steelers' culture, what they value and how they play defense.
"They get after it, man. And that's exactly how I play. I just like to run to the ball. I like to hit. When the ball's in the sky, I like to go get it," Echols said. "Coming into this, I plan on being a major contributor to the success of this defense."
For all of Echols' answers from Thursday's press conference:
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