Steelers sign Jaquan Brisker from Bears, let Connor Heyward go to Raiders
The Pittsburgh Steelers continued their encouraging offseason on March 12, the reigning AFC North champions landing another high-profile free agent but also losing one of their own.
Safety Jaquan Brisker, a Penn State product who'd spent his first four NFL seasons as a starter for the Chicago Bears, is coming to Pennsylvania. According to NFL Network, Brisker, a second-round pick (48th overall) in 2022, is signing a one-year deal with the Steelers worth $5.5 million.
On the flip side, part-time fullback and part-time tight end Connor Heyward, the younger brother of longtime Steelers captain Cam Heyward, is leaving the banks of the Three Rivers to join the Las Vegas Raiders on a two-year pact worth up to $5.5 million. Connor Heyward departs just days after big brother reeled in a lucrative, two-year extension. A role player during his four seasons in Pittsburgh, Connor Heyward is likely to settle in as a fullback in Sin City given the Raiders have spent high-end draft picks on tight ends Michael Mayer and Brock Bowers in recent years. Las Vegas GM John Spytek has spent freely in recent days while refurbishing a supporting cast expected to support presumed No. 1 draft pick Fernando Mendoza.
As for Brisker, he should settle in on the back line with versatile veteran Jalen Ramsey and DeShon Elliott, another holdover. Brisker joins an upgraded secondary just days after veteran cornerback Jamel Deal also agreed to sign on. Brisker has four interceptions, four tackles and seven sacks (among 342 career tackles) in 52 NFL games. His loss means the Bears will need two new starting safeties in 2026 after All-Pro Kevin Byard left for the New England Patriots.
NFL FREE AGENCY FALLOUT: Maxx Crosby, Shedeur Sanders among winners, losers
The Steelers have also traded for wideout Michael Pittman Jr. and signed running back Rico Dowdle. Pittsburgh, a team in serious transition as Mike McCarthy replaced longtime coach Mike Tomlin, seems to be doing a nice job making a case to compel quarterback Aaron Rodgers to return. A free agent himself, Rodgers, a four-time league MVP, currently remains unsigned but consistently lavishes praise on Pittsburgh and his teammates from last season.
All NFL news on and off the field.Sign upfor USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Steelers sign Jaquan Brisker, lose Connor Heyward to Raiders