Steelers' Jaquan Brisker’s Latest Deal Raises Eyebrows As His True Motive Gets Revealed

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been busy this offseason, between finalizing a brand new coaching staff, and working on improving their roster ahead of the 2026 season. One of their recent signings, safety Jaquan Brisker, is a hometown product from Gateway High School in Pittsburgh and also played for the Penn State Nittany Lions. Brisker previously played four seasons with the Chicago Bears since being drafted and has been exactly what he was at Penn State during his NFL tenure: great. He has proven to be a physical and disruptive presence on the field, which makes his one-year $5.5 million deal a bit intriguing.

On Tuesday's episode of Kaboly + Mack, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly gave his honest thoughts surrounding the situation involving the terms of Brisker's deal in Pittsburgh. Brisker now returns to his hometown to get to play for the professional team that he grew up watching. He also mentioned in his introductory press conference that he wants to be a Swiss Army knife, do it all at his position type of player for the Black and Gold.

"Just for what he was able to do last year, especially in the playoffs, you're telling me this guy can only get one year for $5.5 million? I think it was a situation of cross something off my bucket list, go to Pittsburgh, put myself in a good position to succeed, cash out next year," Kaboly said.

While it is true Brisker most likely could have landed himself a bigger payday, Kaboly's comments suggest that he took a hometown discount to come to the Steel City. Brisker has racked up four interceptions, 21 passes defended, four forced fumbles, and 342 total tackles to start his four-year NFL career in Chicago. He now gets to head home, an area he is very familiar with, and don the jersey of the team he grew up watching. 

Brisker was a big part of a turnaround in Chicago, one that saw the Bears win the NFC North division after finishing in last place in that division in 2024. Now Brisker has the opportunity to help steady the ship in Pittsburgh, as they head into 2026 as their first year under new head coach Mike McCarthy. Brisker's physical style of play and presence on the field is one that those who have watched the Black and Gold for years have become accustomed to.

While this may have been a bucket list type of situation for Brisker, another solid season could find him earning himself an extension and playing in Pittsburgh well beyond 2026. Regardless of his future past 2026, Brisker helps to fill a position of need and is a versatile, explosive safety. With Brisker having the ability to play multiple roles in the secondary, new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham was just handed a new and explosive weapon to utilize in games in the 2026 season.

Steelers' Proactive Movement In 2026 Offseason Has Been Massive

One thing that Pittsburgh seemed to lack in recent history was a proactive approach when it came to addressing issues or holes within the organization. However, the team has taken a different approach this offseason and worked quickly to address things ahead of the 2026 season. They have acquired some proven, younger talent in free agency already, with the 2026 NFL Draft still on the horizon.

Regardless of if this was a hometown discount and a bucket list situation for Brisker, this is another solid offseason signing for the Black and Gold. The team has done a great job as well of acquiring younger talent as opposed to past offseasons. While the free agent market may have seen Brisker command even more money, Pittsburgh quickly swooped in to make sure they add an explosive talent that addresses a need ahead of 2026.

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