The Pittsburgh Steelers have had an active legal tampering period, beginning with the big addition of wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. via trade, and the signing of veteran cornerback Jamel Dean. Pittsburgh was also able to lock up a few of their own free agents by agreeing to terms with Asante Samuel Jr., Esezi Otomewo, and Cole Holcomb. While the signings at wide receiver and cornerback are a big deal, they still have other needs in a lot of different areas. Plus, they still don't know who the starting quarterback is going to be yet.
Packers.com
Darnell Savage Jr. was drafted by the Packers in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
One of those holes is at the safety position as there hasn't been any movement on signing back any of their current free agents at the position. Jabrill Peppers and Kyle Dugger were added during the 2025 season, but both remain free agents. While both were adequate filling in for an injured DeShon Elliott at times, the Steelers could still easily upgrade at the position this offseason.
That upgrade in depth appears to now be happening as former first-round pick Darnell Savage Jr. has agreed to terms with Pittsburgh according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero.
Veteran safety Darnell Savage is signing a one-year deal with the Steelers, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 11, 2026
Savage has bounced around the league after spending the first five years of his career in Green Bay. He signed a three-year, $21.75 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars following the 2023 season, but was released after Week 2 of the 2025 season playing in only 14 total games for the Jaguars. After being released by Jacksonville, he was signed by the Washington Commanders and spent eight games there recording only 15 tackles, one pass defensed, and one forced fumble.
After his short stint with Washington, he was signed to the Buffalo Bills' practice squad in a corresponding move after the Bills promoted Ja'Marcus Ingram from their practice squad to fill the roster spot that would've been for former Steelers cornerback, Darius Slay Jr. Slay never reported to Buffalo after being claimed off waivers from the Steelers. Savage played three games for the Bills, including their loss in the playoffs, but only had 51 defensive snaps total.
x: @AroundTheNFL
Former Washington Commanders safety Darnell Savage (25) looks to defend during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, in Arlington, Texas.
During his time with the Commanders last season, he was coached by new Steelers coaches Jason Simmons and Joe Whitt Jr. Simmons was the pass game coordinator in Washington, while Whitt was the defensive coordinator. Both will coach the defensive backs in Pittsburgh among other roles, so the familiarity makes sense.
Steelers' Plans At Safety Still Unclear
While the addition of Savage will help with depth, his ability to be a starter in the NFL seems to have passed since leaving the Packers. He only has two interceptions since the 2021 season after racking up eight in his first three seasons. With the addition of Dean to play cornerback opposite of up-and-coming star Joey Porter Jr., and Brandin Echols still likely to play in the slot, that leaves Jalen Ramsey's role up in the air.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Jalen Ramsey makes a tackle against the Bengals during the 2025 season.
Ramsey played safety at different times over the course of the 2025 season before starting several games late in the season due to an injury to Elliott. His play wasn't quite up to his standards at that position compared to cornerback over the course of his career, but if the plan is for Ramsey to transition full-time to safety, then a full offseason at the position could prove vital.
#SteelerNation