Lions Sign Veteran Safety Jaquan Brisker in Free Agency

Brisker joins Detroit's secondary to provide depth and experience after injuries to starters Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:42pm

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The Detroit Lions have signed veteran safety Jaquan Brisker to a multi-year contract in free agency. Brisker, who has dealt with concussion issues in recent seasons, will provide depth and experience to the Lions' secondary after starting safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch suffered significant injuries in 2025. The Lions are hoping Brisker can step in and contribute as an 'enforcer' role close to the line of scrimmage, delivering big hits and blitzing effectively.

Why it matters

The Lions' defense was hit hard by injuries to key starters in the secondary last season, leaving them vulnerable in the defensive backfield. Signing Brisker gives them an experienced and physical presence to help fill those gaps, even if he has battled his own injury concerns in the past.

The details

Brisker, 28, has played five seasons in the NFL, most recently with the Chicago Bears. He is coming off a 2025 campaign where he played in all 17 games, recording 93 total tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception and 8 pass breakups. The Lions are hoping he can provide a similar level of production and physicality in their defensive scheme.

  • Brisker signed with the Lions on March 12, 2026, the start of the new NFL league year.
  • Both Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch suffered significant injuries late in the 2025 season, leaving the Lions' secondary depleted heading into the offseason.

The players

Jaquan Brisker

A 28-year-old veteran safety who has played the last five seasons in the NFL, most recently with the Chicago Bears.

Kerby Joseph

The Lions' starting safety who suffered a knee injury in 2025 that sidelined him for much of the season.

Brian Branch

The Lions' other starting safety who tore his Achilles late in the 2025 season, leaving a hole in the secondary.

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What they’re saying

“Jaquan is a physical, hard-hitting safety who can make an immediate impact for us on defense. With the injuries to Kerby and Brian, we needed to add some veteran experience and depth in the secondary, and Jaquan fits that need perfectly.”

— Brad Holmes, Lions General Manager

What’s next

The Lions will continue to monitor the recovery progress of Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch as they work to get healthy for the 2026 season. Brisker's signing provides important insurance and depth in the meantime.

The takeaway

By signing Jaquan Brisker, the Lions have taken a proactive step to shore up their secondary after suffering significant injuries at the safety position last season. Brisker's physical playing style and experience should help stabilize the defense, even if he has battled his own health concerns in recent years.