Pittsburgh Steelers finally make good on a signing that was reported months ago ahead of the start of mandatory minicamp

The Pittsburgh Steelers have finally put pen to paper with a free agent who was originally reported to be signing during the waves of free agency frenzy.

Rob Gregson, Wendell Ferreira
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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]
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] © Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a late-night move during the heart of free agency back in March, reportedly agreeing to terms with veteran safety Darnell Savage on a one-year deal to add veteran depth to their defensive backfield.

But then came the introductions from the free agent class, and Savage wasn’t there. The NFL Draft came and went, and still no Savage. But the Steelers start the mandatory portion of their organized team activities this week, and it appears they have finally made a move to sign him.

Darnell Savage Facts

  • 1st round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.
  • Played college football at Maryland.
  • Career high 4 interceptions.

Steelers officially sign safety Darnell Savage

Savage most recently played with the Buffalo Bills in 2025, starting two games after stints with the Jaguars and Commanders all in one season. The 28-year-old safety is best known for his time with the Green Bay Packers, so I spoke with Wendell Ferreira, our resident Packers expert at A to Z Sports, for more information:

What are the Steelers receiving from Darnell Savage?

Darnell Savage’s calling card was always his coverage ability and speed to close angles for quarterbacks and receivers. But make no mistake about it, the defensive back undoubtedly regressed throughout his NFL career.

The Packers traded up to select Savage in the first round back in 2019 and he was a starter from Day 1. He even had a promising first season, making the All-Rookie Team. After a solid second season, he failed to take a leap in Year 3. Green Bay still picked up his fifth-year option, but Savage started being an unquestioned starter in 2022. He handled injuries and suboptimal play in 2023, his final season with the Packers.

That playoff run showed exactly why the Packers ultimately wanted to move on. Despite a pick-six in the playoffs against the Dallas Cowboys, he dropped another potential game-changing pick-six versus the San Francisco 49ers in the following week.

Savage was still able to sign a decent three-year contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency. But in the past couple of years, he failed to maximize his potential as a coverage safety and couldn’t compensate for that with tackling and run defense. In 2025, he had quick experiences with the Washington Commanders and Buffalo Bills as well, but at this point he’s probably not more than a depth piece fighting for a roster spot. Nonetheless, the upside is there.

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