Jaquan Brisker. Matt Marton-Imagn Images

Report: Steelers make huge splash by adding former Bears safety

Originally posted on Steeler Nation | By Parker Abate | Last updated Mar 12, 2026 8:02 PM ET

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 canceled has had the NFL shocked and 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 #Steelers have agreed to terms with S Jaquan Brisker, his agents @AndreOdom and @aj__stevens tells me and @RapSheet. Former second-round pick of the #Bears headed to Pittsburgh. pic.twitter.com/EifdpZ3w19
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 12, 2026

The market for the former second-round pick just 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.

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 unquestioned needs on that side of the ball.

Pittsburgh has now added exciting players such as Michael Pittman Jr., Jamel Dean and Brisker. Those aren't just three new starters for the organization, but leaders who should arrive with an intent to play good football and establish a positive culture. Khan continues to use the team's financial flexibility, and it's paying off in a big way on paper.

Brisker was Pro Football Focus' 86th-best free agent. He really came on for the Bears in 2025, but he tested the open market after never receiving a 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.

In four years in the Windy City, Brisker started all 52 games he played in. He was healthy throughout three seasons of his career up to this point; however, he did only play 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.

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 1 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.

This article first appeared on SteelerNation.com and was syndicated with permission.

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