The Pittsburgh Steelers bolstered their secondary this offseason after allowing the fourth-most passing yards in 2025. Pittsburgh re-signed Asante Samuel Jr. to a one-year, $4 million contract and signed Jamel Dean to a three-year, $36.75 million contract. The Steelers are expected to retain Jalen Ramsey, as $3.5 million of his salary becomes guaranteed, and a $2 million roster bonus is triggered on Friday.
Also Read: Pittsburgh Steelers: Deliver Major News for Mid-Season Addition
Pittsburgh Steelers land a star safety
Chicago Bears, Jaquan Brisker
Jan 10, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears safety Jaquan Brisker (9) reacts after a missed Green Bay Packers field goal during the second half of an NFC Wild Card Round game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
According to Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Steelers have signed Jaquan Brisker to a one-year, $5.5 million contract. Spotrac projected the former Chicago Bears safety’s market value at $11.1 million per year. A reason for Brisker’s modest salary could be his concussion history, as he has suffered one concussion in each of his first three seasons.
The #Steelers are signing former #Bears S Jaquan Brisker to a 1-year, $5.5M deal, per The Insiders in a deal done by @AndreOdom and @aj__stevens. pic.twitter.com/JRWi0odpNw
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2026
The Steelers secondary appears to be set with Joey Porter Jr. and Jamel Dean on the outside, Brandin Echols/Asante Samuel Jr. in the slot, and Jalen Ramsey and Jaquan Brisker/DeShon Elliott at safety.
Here’s a quick review of his 2025 campaign
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Oct 26, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely (80) runs with the ball after making a catch as Chicago Bears safety Jaquan Brisker (9) attempts a tackle in the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Jaquan Brisker had a solid season, and for the first time in his NFL career, did not suffer a concussion, playing every single game. He totaled 93 tackles, one TFL, one sack, one interception, and eight pass deflections across 17 regular-season games. Brisker also posted 23 tackles, one TFL, one sack, and two pass deflections in the playoffs.
Fans react to the modest contract
Pittsburgh Steelers fans
Dec 25, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans cheer against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Holy STEAL!!!! 🤯🤯🤯
— Rob O (@polskiguy81) March 12, 2026
How was it so cheap? #Steelers
— Superman Strong (@DCUSupes) March 12, 2026
Omg we let him walk for 5 mil💔
— Ice Bin Williams🐻❄️ (@_Seburrito_) March 12, 2026
@ChicagoBears What are we doing?????????
— Kacper 🐐 (@kb00gie__) March 12, 2026
1 year deal? 5.5m?? Steal
— ShifftttyyyQB1🏴☠️ (@raiders1022) March 12, 2026
Very cheap. That’s a steal.
— ✰𝙅𝙤𝙨𝙝✰ (@yojosh2x) March 12, 2026
Get Ramsey as fs. Cut Elliot, throw brisker in the box
— metcalfszn (@AydanBloom08) March 12, 2026
Welcome home!!! @JaquanBrisker
— Stillers Burner (@stillersburner) March 12, 2026
Jaquan Brisker back home in Pittsburgh 🏡 Steelers’ secondary just got a major boost
— Sharma (@sharma10197) March 12, 2026
pic.twitter.com/Fbc1hn6XBC
— Against The Grain (@ATG_SportsMedia) March 12, 2026
big move
— Riccardo Pratesi (@rprat75) March 12, 2026
Atta boy Omar. Doing work. Now let’s kill this draft at home.
— David Ranno (@dranno1973) March 12, 2026
BAAAAAAAAAANG
— Zach Daly (@TUSJDaly) March 12, 2026