Report: Steelers Make Huge Splash By Signing Former Bears Safety

It is going to be pretty hard for the Pittsburgh Steelers to steal headlines from their AFC North foe in the Baltimore Ravens in the coming days and weeks. The shocking news of the Maxx Crosby trade being torn apart and cancelled has had the entire NFL world confused as to what happened. With that said, in the Steel City, General Manager Omar Khan has put together a very respectable stretch since the legal tampering period started on Monday. He will continue to work with the rest of the front office to better the roster and put together a winning locker room.

Just when Steelers fans thought that Khan may be done with the splash-like moves, reports came swirling in on Thursday evening that one of the top safeties remaining on the market will be playing in Pittsburgh.

Jaquan Brisker is a young defender who had a great four-year tenure with the Chicago Bears. Safety was a huge need for the Steelers, and now Brisker gives the team all of the flexibility in the world come the 2026 NFL Draft, and moving forward. The market for the former second-round pick must not have been what he expected it to be due to the fact that the deal is reportedly only worth $5.5 million, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.

"Sources: Jaquan Brisker gets a 1-year, $5.5M deal from the #Steelers," Schultz posted on X.

This can be viewed as a big-time bargain. Not only does Brisker's soon-to-be arrival truly help the defense as a whole, but now there are not any true certified needs on that side of the ball.

Pittsburgh has quickly added exciting players such as Michael Pittman Jr., Jamel Dean and Brisker. Those aren't just three new starters for the organization, but leaders as well that should come in with an intent not just to play good football, but establish a positive culture. Khan continues to use the financial flexibility that he came into the new league year with, and it's paying off in a big way on paper. Now, a lot of options are on the table for the defense.

Brisker was the 86th ranked free agent for Pro Football Focus. He really came on for the Bears in 2025, but he tested the open market after never receiving any kind of contract extension since being drafted. This appears to be a prove-it deal that could lead to him getting a massive payday in 2027 whether it be from the Steelers or another franchise. He has been able to secure one interceptions in each of his first four professional campaigns.

In four years in the Windy City, Brisker played in, and started, 52 total games. He was very healthy throughout three seasons of his career up to this point; however, he did only participate in five contests back in 2024. He was put on Injured Reserve (IR) due to a concussion, which is something to keep an eye on. Most players are out for a week for two with head injuries, but the fact that Brisker had to miss months of action recently could be why he only netted a one-year contract.

Steelers Can Do Whatever They Want In First Round Of 2026 NFL Draft

Wide receiver, cornerback and safety holes have now all been addressed in some form. Pittsburgh has always been a team that doesn't appreciate being locked into taking a specific position once round one of any draft rolls around, and Khan seems to have put that together once again. Brisker is only 26 years old, which injects a little bit of youth, yet experience into the unit.

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