Back on March 11, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported that safety Darnell Savage was signing a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Weirdly, the two parties didn't put pen to paper, and it was starting to look like this verbal agreement wouldn't materialize... until now.
On Tuesday, June 2, NFL insider Aaron Wilson reported that Savage has indeed signed a contract with Pittsburgh, and notes that the veteran is 'excited about playing for the Steelers.'
This instantly solves a question about depth at the safety position that many fans already were thinking about—myself included. As I put together my early 53-man roster predictions during Steelers OTAs, it was hard to come up with more than four safeties deserving of a roster spot. And with Jalen Ramsey potentially playing more of a slot cornerback role this year, the depth at the position has become even thinner.
While Savage comes with a former first-round pick label, it's important for Steelers fans to keep expectations in check.
The Pittsburgh Steelers welcome depth at safety with Darnell Savage, but fans should keep expectations low
Savage, the 21st overall pick of the Packers in the 2021 NFL Draft, earned eight interceptions over his first three NFL seasons. However, his splash play ability didn't come without a cost. Savage would lose track of assignments and take chances in the secondary—sometimes at the expense of hurting the defense.
After leaving Green Bay during the 2024 offseason, Savage signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Last season, in 2025, Savage played just two games for the Jags while also suiting up for the Washington Commanders and the Buffalo Bills last season.
Since 2021, Savage has surrendered a passer rating between 106.9 and 126.0 in five straight seasons, per advanced stats from Pro Football Reference. This is a testament to his lack of discipline in coverage at times.
Thankfully, for the Steelers, Savage won't be thrust into a bit role. Though the veteran has started 83 of 97 career games, he will now serve as a depth option at safety. And if he impresses, there's a chance he could find some subpackage work.
Of course, this is all assuming he makes the team. Savage offers fairly limited special teams ability, as he's been a starter most of his career. But he may need to learn to be a gunner and a jammer if he wants to stick around.
Entering the NFL in 2019, Savage was undersized (5'10 3/4'', 198 pounds), but his 4.36 speed put him in the 97th percentile among all NFL safeties. Savage's athleticism still remains, but he has just two interceptions since the start of the 2022 season.
Savage's athletic traits, ball skills, and experience make him a respectable depth signing for the Steelers, but now that he's officially on the team, fans should temper their expectations for the soon-to-be 29-year-old safety in 2026.
Add us as a preferred source on Google