Steelers Named Best Fit for Standout Free Agent Safety

ESPN analyst says Pittsburgh could target Bears' Jaquan Brisker in free agency

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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According to ESPN's Matt Bowen, the Pittsburgh Steelers would be an ideal landing spot for Chicago Bears safety Jaquan Brisker, who is set to become a free agent in March. Bowen believes Brisker would be a good fit in the Steelers' defensive scheme and could form one of the NFL's top safety tandems with Jalen Ramsey.

Why it matters

The Steelers are looking to upgrade their secondary this offseason, with Kyle Dugger and Chuck Clark set to become free agents. Brisker, a Pittsburgh native, would provide a talented and versatile safety option to pair with Ramsey and shore up the Steelers' pass defense.

The details

Brisker was selected by the Bears in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft and has started all 52 games over the past four seasons. He has recorded 342 combined tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 11 quarterback hits, seven sacks, four forced fumbles, and four interceptions. ESPN's Bowen believes Brisker would thrive in the Steelers' defensive scheme, playing over the top in Cover 2 and as a disruptive box defender in single-high looks.

  • Jaquan Brisker is set to become a free agent in March 2026.

The players

Jaquan Brisker

A safety for the Chicago Bears who is set to become a free agent in March 2026.

Kyle Dugger

A safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers who is set to become a free agent in March 2026.

Chuck Clark

A safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers who is set to become a free agent in March 2026.

Jalen Ramsey

A cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Patrick Graham

The new defensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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What they’re saying

“In Pittsburgh, Brisker would replace Kyle Dugger under new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. Brisker can play over the top in Cover 2, and he would be a disruptive box defender in Graham's single-high schemes.”

— Matt Bowen, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)

What’s next

The Steelers will need to decide whether to re-sign Dugger and Clark or pursue Brisker in free agency to bolster their secondary.

The takeaway

The Steelers are looking to upgrade their secondary this offseason, and Jaquan Brisker, a Pittsburgh native, could be an ideal target in free agency. His versatile skill set and ability to thrive in the Steelers' defensive scheme make him an attractive option to pair with Jalen Ramsey and shore up the team's pass defense.