The Associated Press Former Penn State defensive back Jaquan Brisker defends for the Chicago Bears in a game last season.

PITTSBURGH — Former Penn State defensive back Jaquan Brisker will be returning to his hometown to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Brisker, a safety who spent the past four seasons with the Chicago Bears, is signing a one-year contract with the Steelers, according to several media outlets.

Brisker played at Gateway High School.

On Friday, three new Steelers met the media.

Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., cornerback Jamel Dean and running back Rico Dowdle — the three newcomers announced as officially signed — are hoping to add physicality to the Steelers.

“Being that guy who catches passes but also blocks his tail off, that opens up extra yards,” Pittman said. “Maybe instead of a 5-yard run play it turns into a 30-yard run play or turns into an explosive run and then that sets up the pass game.

“And just showing my teammates that I’m not here just to catch the ball and that I’m willing to do all that dirty work, too.”

Dowdle has gone over 1,000 yards rushing twice (1,079 in 2024 and 1,076 in 2025) while averaging 4.6 yards per carry.

“I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s angry,” Dowdle said of his style. “I just think I run physical and try to impose my will on a defense. I know it’s hard for them to tackle all four quarters, just try to wear them down and things like that.

“You know when you’re a little kid you see somebody get trucked, you’re like ‘Oooh, you ran him over,’ that’s just one thing you want to do. I’ve always just had that mindset to run through a guy since I was little.”

Dean’s reputation as a speed cornerback who is also a willing contributor on run defense precedes him to the Steelers.

“You play defense so you gotta be able to cover and tackle at the same time,” he maintained. “Nowadays, offenses, they’re gonna have plays designed for you to (have to) tackle (as a cornerback). If you don’t want to tackle you’re going to have a long game.

“I’d rather set the tone early, ‘Hey, I’m willing to tackle.'”