Steelers signing former Bears starting defender to $5.5 million deal in free agency

The Pittsburgh Steelers have reportedly signed a Chicago Bears free agent.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Steelers are signing former Bears safety Jaquan Brisker to a one-year, $5.5 million deal.

This is the second Bears free agent at safety to depart Chicago in recent days after the New England Patriots signed Kevin Byard.

While the Steelers had the option of deploying Jalen Ramsey at safety yet again, it would appear that is not in the cards for 2026, as Brisker will likely start alongside DeShon Elliott.

The former Bear also has experience operating in the slot, but not much.

We would assume the signing of Brisker means the Steelers will put Ramsey back in the slot, where he began last season before transitioning to safety because of injuries.

In 2025, Brisker surrendered a completion rate of 75% and a passer rating of 127.6 in coverage. He has traditionally played better in coverage than that, but Brisker really shines as a run defender, as evidenced by his 73.7 run defense grade last season, according to Pro Football Focus.

As for the Bears, they have signed both Coby Bryant and Cam Lewis in free agency, but it remains to be seen if they'll be content with that pairing.

It would not surprise us to see another move at safety from Chicago, whether that be through trade or free agency.

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