Jaquan Brisker, a defensive back from the Pittsburgh area, has signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The former Chicago Bears second-round pick expressed excitement about returning home and playing for head coach Mike McCarthy. Brisker highlighted his versatility across the secondary during his introductory press conference.
Jaquan Brisker, who grew up in Pittsburgh and attended Gateway High School in Monroeville, signed a one-year, $5.5 million deal with the Steelers on March 16, 2026. A 2022 second-round pick by the Chicago Bears, Brisker played 3,363 snaps over four seasons, including 1,289 in the box, 1,272 at free safety, 361 along the defensive line, 337 in the slot, and 103 at cornerback. Turning 27 this season, he emphasized his positional flexibility, stating, “Classify me as a defensive back. I can play anywhere on the field… Things that I have done are making sure I can play in the post and play in the box. But also, being able to play field boundary.” He cited modern safeties like Derwin James, Kyle Hamilton, and Nick Emmanwori as examples of versatility, including playing linebacker roles like Will or Star. Brisker will wear jersey No. 3, the first for a defensive back in Pittsburgh since Andy Tomasic in 1942; it was most recently worn by punter Corliss Waitman. His signing reunites him with Penn State teammate Joey Porter Jr., who pushed for the move: “He was blowing up my agent… ‘What are you gonna do?’” Brisker also noted his prior interest in playing under Mike McCarthy from his Cowboys days: “I wanted to play for him when he coached at the Cowboys.” Thrilled to join his hometown team, Brisker said, “I just get chills, just knowing that I’m gonna be a Pittsburgh Steeler and I’m from Pittsburgh,” and looked forward to Acrisure Stadium: “Seeing the Terrible Towels waving around, hearing that Renegade song… it’s gonna be so fun.” The Steelers added Brisker to bolster their secondary amid prior issues with players like Darius Slay and Jalen Ramsey.
