The Steelers brought in Jaquan Brisker this offseason for a reason: he’s the kind of safety who can change the feel of a defense. Through his first four NFL seasons, the Penn State product has built a reputation as one of the league’s most versatile players at the position, piling up four interceptions and eight sacks from 2022-25. In Pittsburgh, he’s stepping into a secondary that already has a lot of moving parts and a lot of new faces.
After Saturday’s practice, Brisker made it clear he’s buying in fast to what defensive coordinator Patrick Graham is putting together. He didn’t just like the system - he lit up talking about it.
“I love this defense,” Brisker said. [Graham] is so smart, and the coaches complement him.
It’s a great coaching staff. He’s giving us the keys… he gives us the ability to play how we want.“
That freedom is part of the appeal for Brisker, and it fits with the way Pittsburgh’s defense has looked early in camp. Even without Jalen Ramsey and Joey Porter Jr. on the field through the first week, the unit has come across as organized and connected in team drills. Asante Samuel Jr.’s work has stood out, and Brisker himself turned in his best practice on Saturday when he blew up a jet sweep to Roman Wilson for what would have been a two-yard loss in a game.
Brisker will also have a new partner in the defensive backfield when the Steelers take the field on Monday, with Rayshawn Jenkins added to the roster.
Pittsburgh’s first preseason game is set for Thursday, August 11, when it hosts the Green Bay Packers.
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