The Steelers will likely be the new starter at CB

The Pittsburgh Steelers are moving to a new option at Cornerback slot.

The Steelers are likely going to draft a CB

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PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Steelers will likely have a new player at cornerback.

After a Week 16 win over the Detroit Lions, the Steelers lost cornerback Brandin Echols.In his first year with the organization, he solidified the defensive position, allowing the team to once again work in their favor.But Echols is unlikely to play in Week 17 after suffering a groin injury and may not be available for their regular season matchup.

Down from several options, the Steelers are turning to 26-year-old linebacker De'Shaun Jamison to fill the cornerback position.

Big chance for Jamieson

It's been two years since Jamison last played defensive tackle during a regular season game.In 2023, he played in 15 games with the Carolina Panthers.He totaled 10 tackles and one pass defensed on the year.He also returned two punts for 40 yards.

Now he has a chance to show where his game is after two years.He impressed in training camp with his speed and athleticism, and it's easy to see why they consider him a backup.

"One man's misfortune is another man's opportunity," he repeated to reporters, much like head coach Mike Tomlin."So I've got to take this opportunity to get out there and show off."

Steelers defensive impact

Jamison has a huge opportunity, and so does the entire defense.Against the rookie quarterback, the Steelers' pass rush and pass coverage face a prone group.

Shadow Sanders made a lot of mistakes in his first NFL season.He threw six touchdowns but eight interceptions, showing the Steelers can force more turnovers against the young signal-caller.

Special teams player

Not only can he contribute on defense, but he is also an asset on special teams.During his NCAA days and his NFL career, he excelled as a punt returner.He has blinding speed, and with the Steelers landing their regular punt returner in Calvin Austin III, Jamison could play other roles on special teams.

Before impressing with the Panthers and the Steelers, Jamison was a standout at the University of Texas.As a defensive back with the Longhorns, he was a three-year starter, totaling 137 tackles in his four years in college.

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Jacob is a featured writer covering the Pittsburgh Steelers for Steelers ON and the NHL for Breakaway ON SI.He is also the co-host of the All Steelers Talk podcast.Previous jobs covered the NHL for Inside the Penguins and The Hockey News.