Hometown Steelers Reunion Gives Jaquan Brisker 'Chills'

Pittsburgh native and former Bears safety signs one-year deal with hometown team

Mar. 16, 2026 at 7:41pm

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Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker, a Pittsburgh native who attended Gateway High School and Penn State, expressed his excitement about joining the team he rooted for as a child, saying "I'm just getting chills saying I'm a Pittsburgh Steeler." The Steelers signed Brisker to a one-year, $5.5 million contract in free agency after he spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Chicago Bears.

Why it matters

The Steelers have made several high-profile moves this offseason, including hiring Mike McCarthy as their new head coach after Mike Tomlin stepped down. Signing Brisker, a local product, continues the team's trend of bringing in hometown talent and adds depth to their secondary alongside DeShon Elliott.

The details

Brisker, a second-round pick by the Bears in 2022, has been a consistent playmaker in Chicago's secondary over the past four seasons. In 2025, he started all 17 games for the first time, recording 93 total tackles, 8 passes defensed, 1 sack, and 1 interception. He projects as the Steelers' starting strong safety alongside Elliott, and the team also added veteran cornerback Jamel Dean from the Buccaneers in free agency, giving them a deep defensive unit.

  • The Steelers signed Brisker to a one-year, $5.5 million contract on March 12, 2026.
  • Brisker attended Gateway High School in the Pittsburgh suburbs and later played at Penn State.

The players

Jaquan Brisker

A Pittsburgh native and former second-round pick of the Chicago Bears, Brisker has been a consistent playmaker in the secondary over the past four seasons and is now joining his hometown Steelers on a one-year deal.

Mike McCarthy

The new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, hired after Mike Tomlin stepped down from the role.

Mike Tomlin

The former head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who stepped down from the role after the 2025 season.

DeShon Elliott

The Steelers' starting strong safety, who will be paired with the newly signed Jaquan Brisker in the team's secondary.

Jamel Dean

A veteran cornerback signed by the Steelers in free agency from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, adding depth to the team's defensive backfield.

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What they’re saying

“It feels amazing … I'm just getting chills saying I'm a Pittsburgh Steeler.”

— Jaquan Brisker, Steelers safety (Steelers reporter Brian Batko)

What’s next

The Steelers will look to continue building out their roster through the 2026 NFL Draft, with an eye toward strengthening their defense and supporting their new starting safety duo of Jaquan Brisker and DeShon Elliott.

The takeaway

The Steelers' offseason moves, including hiring a new head coach and signing local talent like Jaquan Brisker, demonstrate the team's commitment to maintaining a strong defense and connecting with their passionate fanbase in Pittsburgh. Brisker's homecoming adds an emotional element to the team's roster-building efforts as they aim to return to the playoffs.