Steelers may have found solution on defense in newly signed versatile CB

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 prime time 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.

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