Steelers Could Bring Back Pittsburgh Native To Fix Big Hole In The Secondary

As the Pittsburgh Steelers' offseason begins, the search for a head coach continues. The Steelers have not yet hired a new leader, nor do they sound close to doing so. However, they have interviews scheduled this week with the likes of Minnesota Vikings Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores and former NFL head coach, Mike McCarthy. They are also reportedly very interested in Los Angeles Rams Defensive Coordinator Chris Shula, whom they cannot yet interview in-person due to the Rams' current playoff run. While the coaching search progresses, the Steelers have some big roster decisions to make. Jalen Ramsey, for example, is a huge cut candidate. 

Ramsey was disappointing for the Steelers in the 2025 season. While he did make the Pro Bowl, he wasn't what the Steelers needed him to be. With or without Ramsey, safety will remain a big hole in the Steelers' secondary in the 2026 season. Luckily for the Steelers, a big-name safety entering his prime is set to hit free agency: Chicago Bears defensive back, Jaquan Brisker. Brisker was born in Pittsburgh and played at Penn State before being drafted in 2022.

Brisker was a part of a Bears defense that led the NFL in interceptions. He had a sack, 52 total tackles, and an interception himself. While Brisker isn't regarded as the best safety in the NFL, he would certainly boost a much-needed upgrade for the Steelers. After the Bears' recent playoff loss to the Rams, Brisker admitted to reporters that the game could have been his last with Chicago.

"It was really just hurting," Brisker said. "We lost. We lost a playoff game, especially here in Chicago. I hate losing, but it could of been my last time in a Bears uniform. Obviously, I wanted to soak that in."  

The Bears' defense played admirably against a juggernaut offense, but ultimately, it wasn't enough. Brisker is 26 and will likely have a big market. The Steelers, who are the NFL's most expensive defense, likely won't be shy to throw some money his way.  

Brisker would give the Steelers much-needed stability but, more importantly, youth. Ramsey, who is 31, looked old at the end of the season. While the Steelers asked a lot from him, he was not able to come through when they needed him most.

The Steelers Must Revamp Their Safety Room

In the 2024 offseason, the Steelers signed DeShon Elliott to a two-year deal. Elliott was the heart and soul of the defense that season before getting injured mid-way through the 2025 season. Elliott was playing solid ball, but the Steelers were having nasty coverage busts frequently. While it's hard to say whose fault it was completely, Kyle Dugger ended up taking the mantle on the backend with Ramsey as Elliott missed the rest of the season. When Dugger went in, those busts seemed to have improved, at least until the last two games, where the defense returned to its mangled state. 

The defense cycled through safeties all season: Juan Thornhill, Chuck Clark, Jabrill Peppers, Dugger, Ramsey, and Elliott. They couldn't find any stability. The team traded Minkah Fitzpatrick in the 2025 offseason due to not performing to his contract. That seems to have been the wrong move, as Ramsey performed worse and had a higher cap hit. With a new head coach looming, it's unclear what the Steelers' intentions are in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Steelers hold the 21st pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. While the expectation is either wide receiver or quarterback, don't be surprised if the team moves up. Another safety the Steelers will likely give a hard look at is Ohio State Buckeyes' Caleb Downs. Downs has been college football's best safety the last two seasons. He's even seen as one of the best players in the entire 2026 NFL Draft, but we've seen this story before.

What do you think? Should the Steelers cut Ramsey? Will they pursue Brisker? Do you want to see them trade up for Downs in Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments. 

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