The former first-round pick joins the Steelers after a tumultuous 2025 season with three teams
Category: Sports
The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially signed veteran safety Darnell Savage to a one-year contract, nearly three months after reports first indicated he would join the team. Savage's agent, Seth Katz, confirmed the signing to NFL insider Aaron Wilson, stating, "Darnell is excited about playing for the Steelers." The announcement coincided with the start of the Steelers' mandatory minicamp on June 2, 2026.
This signing marks a fresh start for Savage, who has had a challenging past season, bouncing between three different franchises. The 28-year-old safety began his NFL career in 2019 when he was selected in the first round of the NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers as the 21st pick. After five seasons with the Packers, Savage played for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Washington Commanders, and Buffalo Bills in 2025.
In 2025, Savage appeared in a total of 12 games across the three teams, recording 18 tackles, three passes defensed, and one forced fumble. His performance fell short of expectations, especially after starting 13 games for the Jaguars in 2024, where he finished that season with 51 tackles and one interception. His inconsistent play led to his release from both the Commanders and the Bills during the season.
Savage's career has been a rollercoaster since his entry into the league. After being drafted by the Packers, he quickly established himself as a key player in the secondary. During his time in Green Bay, he accrued impressive statistics, including 10 career interceptions and 367 tackles, with 273 being solo stops. He also made notable contributions in postseason play, including an interception return for a touchdown in the NFC Wild Card game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Following his successful tenure with the Packers, Savage signed a three-year, $21 million contract with the Jaguars ahead of the 2024 season. Unfortunately, his time in Jacksonville was marred by injuries and inconsistent performance, leading to his release after just two games in 2025. He then signed with the Commanders, but his tenure there was short-lived as well, culminating in a request for release in December 2025.
With the Steelers, Savage joins a competitive secondary that includes established veterans like Jalen Ramsey and DeShon Elliott, as well as Jaquan Brisker, who was also signed this offseason. The Steelers' coaching staff, led by new head coach Mike McCarthy, will look to leverage Savage's experience and skills to bolster the team's defensive efforts.
As Savage steps onto the field for the Steelers, he will wear jersey number 31, a number he hopes will bring him good fortune in Pittsburgh. The Steelers are expected to keep four or five safeties on their roster, and Savage will compete against rookie Robert Spears-Jennings and second-year player Sebastian Castro for a spot on the final roster.
In addition to the competitive atmosphere in the secondary, Savage's experience will be invaluable to the Steelers as they aim to build on their success from the previous season, where they won the AFC North but fell short in the playoffs. The Steelers are looking to return to postseason contention, and Savage's presence could provide the depth and leadership needed in the secondary.
With mandatory minicamp underway, Savage will have the opportunity to showcase his abilities and integrate into the team's defensive schemes. The Steelers' coaching staff will be closely monitoring his performance to determine how best to utilize his skills moving forward. As the season approaches, fans will eagerly await to see how Savage adapts to his new environment and contributes to the Steelers' ambitions.
As the Steelers gear up for the upcoming season, Savage's signing is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the NFL and the resilience required to succeed. With the support of his new teammates and coaching staff, Savage aims to turn the page on a challenging chapter of his career and make a positive impact in Pittsburgh.