With Steelers training camp just around the corner, we turn our focus to the roster and the battles ahead of us in the summer. Over the course of the next few weeks, we will be taking a closer look at some of the roster battles that we expect to see unfold over the course of training camp as the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for the start of the 2026 season.

This year, the Steelers seem to have most of their major battles settled before training camp. Outside of the offensive line, the rest of the starting lineup seems to be in order. There are other contributing roles to sort out, of course, like the third wide receiver. But perhaps more than most recent years, this is more jockeying for roles and depth, and not who is starting.

Position: Nickel/Star/Dime

Up for Grabs: Playing Time and Depth

In the Mix: Brandin Echols, Asante Samuel Jr., Daylen Everette, Jaquan Brisker, Donte Kent, Sebastian Castro

Most of the Steelers secondary is settled, more or less, but there’s still more to figure out in training camp. Their “base” nickel defense should include Joey Porter Jr., Jamel Dean, Jalen Ramsey, DeShon Elliott and Jaquan Brisker.

Ramsey will be the slot nickel or “star” defender, but who else might factor into the equation? And on top of that, if they employ a dime defense, who would be the sixth defensive back?

It’s a pretty open-ended affair, so for that reason I’m casting a wide net, as you can see. Brandin Echols is the most experienced and most suited to playing in the slot. But there’s a pretty low ceiling to his athletic ability, opening the door for other options.

The Steelers already must determine in training camp whether Asante Samuel Jr. or Daylen Everette will be the top backup outside cornerback. But it’s not impossible that one of them is the top slot backup, too. Or the dime defender. Both of expressed a willingness, as well as an ability, to play inside.

As for Brisker, from the sounds of it he could have a versatile role not unlike Ramsey. The Steelers will have to reveal at least some of that during training camp, if it is indeed their intention. But as a presumptive starting safety, diversifying his role comes with some complications.

It’s notable that Sebastian Castro played the “star” role in college, but the Steelers moved him to safety full-time last year in training camp. Does the new coaching staff believe that he has the athleticism to handle the slot at the NFL level? If you really want, you can throw Robert Spears-Jennings in here, as well.

Last, and honestly, quite possibly least, there’s Donte Kent. I don’t even know if he’s healthy after ending last season on the Reserve/Injured List. But if he is healthy, he needs to do anything possible to earn a roster spot. Whatever the Steelers ask of him in training camp, he better do it.