Jaquan Brisker has had his share of injury adversity, but he is prepared to put that behind him and reach a new level in his game. If he manages that, the Steelers will be getting him at the right market. Signed to a one-year, $5.5 million contract, they are gaining a young, experienced, talented, and versatile starting safety.
But none of that applies when he is not on the field, and that’s been a theme in his career. After missing two games in each of his first two seasons, Jaquan Brisker only played in five games in 2024. He suffered concussions in each of his first three seasons, causing him to sit out most of the year before last. But now in 2026, he believes he is starting a new chapter.
“It was amazing to play a full season” last year, Brisker told reporters, via the Steelers’ website. He also talked about his role with the Bears and how it evolved after his concussions. “Obviously, I wanted to do more for them, wanted to be moved around, wanted to make more plays and things like that. But I did everything I could within the defense, within the scheme.”
In an era in which players are increasingly aware of the risks of concussions, many in Jaquan Brisker’s shoes may have walked away from the game. That’s not to say a decision either way is commendable or not, but it’s a personal choice players must make. Thus, his managing to play every snap last season was pivotal, given what he’s experienced.
“To get over that, it was amazing. To get back to who I was and what I was, it was even better,” Brisker said. “But I feel like this year is gonna be a lot better, because I had no setbacks. It’s really my first year playing a whole year, so it’s gonna be fun.”
A 2022 second-round draft pick, Jaquan Brisker is still 26 years old and could find a lasting second chapter with the Steelers. For now, however, he is only on a one-year deal. He’ll have a chance to prove himself, and if he does, 2027 will see him sign a long-awaited, huge contract. Whether that’s with the Steelers or some other team, however, is impossible to say.
Brisker is, of course, a Pittsburgh native and played with Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr. in college. Culturally, his fit is hardly in question, and his play style meshes with what we can project here, as well. The biggest question, really, is whether he manages to stay on the field. As long as he remains concussion-free, he should be fine. But repeated concussion incidents only make one more susceptible in the future.
Recommended for you