Lack of clarity surrounding Steelers’ free agent signing shows that Pittsburgh may have moved on following 2026 NFL Draft
The Pittsburgh Steelers agreed to terms with a key free agent during the legal tampering period, but he has yet to sign his deal. Could the Steelers have moved on?
![Jacksonville Jaguars safety Darnell Savage (6) tackles Pittsburgh Steelers running back Max Hurleman (34)during the second quarter of an NFL preseason matchup at EverBank Stadium, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]](https://atozsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/USATSI_26818022-1-scaled.jpg)
If you remember back to a late night on March 10, the Pittsburgh Steelers made one of their first signings of the legal tampering period when they agreed to terms with safety Darnell Savage.
Or, at least that’s what we thought. The Steelers have started voluntary minicamp and workouts, and still, there is no sign of Savage. With the NFL Draft being over, and the Steelers selecting a safety on day three, it’s fair to wonder if Pittsburgh has moved on.
Robert Spears-Jennings may be the replacement for Darnell Savage
The Steelers employ two starting safeties, Jaquan Brisker and DeShon Elliott, who are very similar. They are at their best running the alley, roaming into the box, and dropping the hammer on receivers running in-cuts.
The Steelers didn’t have a true centerfielder. That changed with RSJ. His 4.32 speed and open-field range will allow him to get off the hash and make plays on the roof of the defense, which the Steelers have been missing. That was originally supposed to be Savage’s role, but I’m not so sure he would have been the same level of asset.
Darnell Savage may not have worked in Pittsburgh anyway
“The Commanders signed Darnell Savage after they lost starting safety Will Harris for the majority of the season in Week 3. Savage was thrown to the wolves, and it was a rough stretch over the toughest part of the schedule. The Commanders liked his versatility and played him in the box, deep at safety, and even in the slot at corner. He had his best game in Week 11 against the Dolphins, then surprisingly asked for his release, where he would end the season with the Bills.”
“Savage struggled in coverage at times and also missed some big tackles, but he’s still just 28 and could fit as a depth guy for the Steelers. Just don’t expect a quality starter, and the expectations should be rather low. The Commanders’ safety room was really bad, though, and I believe they would’ve kept him to finish the season if he didn’t ask for a release.” – Josh Taylor, A to Z Sports Washington