Faith in a friend will carry you far. While some NFL players use the offseason to rest, a trio of Pittsburgh Steelers defensive backs are sharpening their skills. It's clear that a reunion of former Penn State teammates is already igniting a spark for Patrick Graham’s defense. And the connection is contagious.
So when videos of Jaquan Brisker, Joey Porter Jr. and DeShon Elliott completing coverage drills surfaced on social media, I was anything but surprised.
No Comparisons, I’m The Standard! 🏹🏹 https://t.co/WRX9IHLguJ
— Quanny B. (@JaquanBrisker) July 23, 2026
With just days left until training camp, there’s little room for excuses. Fans expect Mike McCarthy’s first season as the new head coach to be successful. And a stifling defense helps reach benchmarks. Watching highlights of members of Graham’s secondary putting in extra work is what we need to see.
Not only were they preparing for the season. But Elliott, Brisker, and Porter Jr. were also building chemistry.
Improving communication and learning tendencies is vital to becoming a stout unit. Defending the end zone was a concern in the previous campaign. It even forced Pittsburgh into uncomfortable situations. In 2025, the Steelers ranked 30th in passing yards allowed per game (261). They tallied 15 interceptions (t-8th), but it did not ease the pain of watching wideouts record signature performances.
Teryl Austin’s defense struggled. But they also experienced setbacks.
Elliott suffered two separate knee injuries - finally sidelining him during Week 8 against Green Bay. At times, Jarill Peppers and Kyle Dugger seemed like viable replacements, but it was clear. No one could fill Elliott’s shoes.
The Pittsburgh Steelers' secondary has extra motivation to surpass expectations
I believe Pittsburgh rostered the pieces to create something special, especially with the addition of Brisker. He’s a former second-round pick with something to prove. A history of concussions presents a caution flag - but his production when on the field is worth it. In 2025, Brisker earned 93 tackles, an interception, a sack, and a forced fumble. He has a knack for finding the football.
Which could help his former teammate earn extra dollars.
Contract negotiations have been a recurring topic in Pittsburgh. And Joey Porter Jr. is the next player in line. His reputation as a lockdown defender isn’t hearsay. And it’s time the former second-round pick gets paid like it. In 2025, Porter Jr. allowed zero touchdowns in coverage. Quarterbacks also averaged a 56.2% passer rating when targeting him.
The only blemish: a lack of career interceptions (3).
Currently, Porter Jr averages $2.40 million per year while on his rookie deal. It’s a significant steal for Pittsburgh - but they will have to make a decision quickly. I am certain a reunion with his former Penn State teammate will light a fire under the NFL protege. Both Brisker (2021) and Porter Jr. (2022) earned defensive MVP accolades with tremendous achievements in Beaver Stadium.
Pittsburgh’s defensive back trio is difficult to ignore. They each create havoc for opponents while elevating their peers in the process. They also have different motivations to impact the upcoming campaign.
It is unfair to expect them to develop the chemistry fans witnessed in years prior immediately. Troy Polamalu and Ike Taylor were drafted in 2003 and spent their entire careers as Steelers. William Gay joined the duo in 2006, helping the group thrive until 2013.
Still, I believe production from Porter Jr. and Brisker could lead to contract extensions. Meanwhile, DeShon Elliott will look to re-establish his reputation as a no-nonsense safety after a small hiatus
With less than a week away from training camp, the veterans are focused on building a connection on the field. The hard work will be worth it as they work to rebuild the Steelers' defensive identity.
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