Brandin Echols: Everything you need to know

Echols recorded 48 total tackles (34 solo), including 1.0 sacks, while also adding two interceptions, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery over 16 games during the 2025 regular season. Echols joined the Steelers ahead of the 2025 campaign after four seasons with the Jets, and he was able to see an uptick in his production. The cornerback registered six passes defensed, two of which were interceptions, and he has now notched at least two interceptions on three of his five NFL seasons. Echols will enter 2026 in the final year of his two-year, $6 million contract with Pittsburgh, and he'll look to compete for a starting role at slot cornerback.

Echols (groin) does not have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Ravens, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports. Echols was unable to play against the Browns in Week 17 due to a groin injury, but the fifth-year pro has been cleared to play in Sunday's regular-season finale after logging a full practice Friday. Echols has started in three of 15 regular-season games while also contributing on special teams and has accumulated 48 tackles (34 solo), including 1.0 sacks, six pass defenses (two interceptions), one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in 2025.

Echols (groin) practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports. Echols hurt his groin Week 16 against Detroit and missed this past Sunday's loss to Cleveland because of the issue. With a limited practice under his belt to begin this week, the veteran cornerback appears to have a chance of returning to action for Sunday's matchup versus Baltimore, which will determine the winner of the AFC North. With that said, Echols' playing time had been slipping even before the injury, and he hasn't reached a 50 percent defensive snap share since Week 12.