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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 08: Jaquan Brisker #9 of the Chicago Bears looks on against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field on September 08, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Pittsburgh Steelers made a significant splash in the early window of free agency as they addressed the safety position. Veteran safety Jaquan Brisker signed a one-year deal with the team after spending the first four seasons of his career with the Chicago Bears.
While speaking in front of the Pittsbuurgh media on Monday, Brisker revealed why he signed with the organization. His former teammate at Penn State, Joey Porter Jr., was just part of the reason why he decided to return home to the Steel City.
The Pittsburgh Steelers Were Jaquan Brisker’s Top Option
Omar Khan Jalen Ramsey
GettyJaquan Brisker was one of multiple defensive signings made by Stelers GM Omar Khan in the early window of free agency.
Here is what Brisker had to say about why he wanted to come play for the Steelers in 2026:
“(Joey Porter Jr.) was blowing up my agent and blowing me up…There were a couple teams, but Pittsburgh was one of them. I wanted to come back and play here.”
Mike DeFabo
Jaquan Brisker said he recognized the Steelers could be in the market for a safety and told his agent he’d like to come home.
Sounds like his former PSU teammate Joey Porter Jr. was also doing a little recruiting.
It is clear that Brisker and Porter Jr. have a great relationship dating back to their days at State College. Together, the two were teammates there for three seasons and will now link back up in Pittsburgh. Both All-Big Ten performers for the Nittany Lions, Brisker and Porter Jr. will look to play elite-level football for the Steelers.
In Brisker’s case, he has started all 54 games that he has played in for the Bears, including the playoffs. That experience could come in handy for new head coach Mike McCarthy’s defense.
The Steelers Have Already Improved Their defense
Jalen Ramsey
GettySteelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey made his eighth Pro Bowl appearance last season.
While the hiring of McCarthy signifies the team being interested in becoming more offensive-focused, don’t forget about the moves that Steelers GM Omar Khan has made this offseason on defense. Not only did Khan sign Brisker, but he extended future Hall of Fame defensive tackle Cam Heyward, signed veteran defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day to a multi-year deal, and inked former Super Bowl champion cornerback Jamel Dean to a three-year contract.
While these moves aren’t going to grab all of the headlines, they are proof that the team is still interested in making defense a top priority. Adding Brisker, Joseph-Day, and Dean to a defense that already inclues the likes of Heyward, T.J. Watt, Patrick Queen, and Porter Jr. could make for a major improvement on that side of the football in 2026.
Remember, the Steelers had a less-than-stellar defense a season ago in Mike Tomlin‘s final season with the organization. They ranked 26th in total defense and 29th in passing defense. Adjustments needed to be made this offseason and so far, they have.
After winning 10 games and the AFC North last season, a step forward on defense might mean that this team has a chance to do more than just make the playoffs in 2026. While the NFL Draft is still over a month away and although future Hall of Fame qarterback Aaron Rodgers remains unsigned, this team could have the makings for a deep playoff run.