The Pittsburgh Steelers are always looking to add key pieces wherever they can to boost the depth no matter what time of the year it is. That happened recently with the signing of safety Rayshawn Jenkins, as Pittsburgh has been prioritizing defensive backs in free agency in recent years. The hope is that Jenkins can come in and play whatever role he's asked to in the backend of the defense. That is especially the case for free safety, as there is not a lot of surefire options at that position after the first week of training camp.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/2L9A7679-544x306.jpg "Steelers Omar Khan")
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan poses for a photo as he interacts with fans while the team practices during training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Unfortunately, that means someone else is going to have to leave. Instead of releasing a supposed "camp body," the Steelers announced a 2026 free-agent safety was getting cut to make room for Jenkins.
We have signed S Rayshawn Jenkins to a one-year contract and released S Darnell Savage. @BordasLaw
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 2, 2026
📝: https://t.co/eDoi6ZCa4U pic.twitter.com/KEQo0V7xQo
It was initially announced back in March that the Steelers wanted to sign Darnell Savage, but injuries had kept that deal from getting done. It took many months, but Pittsburgh was confident enough in the veteran's recovery to give him a one-year contract. Due to all of the question marks, it became clear that he would have to fight for his spot on the roster. Clearly, he did not win that battle.
Corey Perrine/ Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK / Imagn Images
Then-Jacksonville Jaguars safety Darnell Savage (6) catches a pass during an NFL training camp session at the Miller Electric Center, Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla.
The signs were starting to pop up as the first week of training camp concluded. Guys like former undrafted free agent Sebastian Castro and rookie Robert Spears-Jennings had gotten first-team reps over Savage. With the constant rotation, it didn't seem like too much of a big deal at the time, but now it shows how little the Steelers trusted the veteran safety in the long run.
The move underscores the ongoing search for safety depth.
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) August 2, 2026
With Elliott less than 100% participation in OTAs/ training camp, Castro got the first-team reps in OTAs, Savage on Day 1 of camp, Jack Henderson on Friday and Spears-Jennings on Saturday.
Can Jenkins be the answer?
Steelers Still Have Other Safety Options On Speed-Dial
There is still some injury concern at the safety position, so general manager Omar Khan apparently had a list of guys ready to go just in case those issues flare up. The Steelers recently spoke with veteran Jordan Whitehead as well; although, they opted to sign Jenkins over him. Pittsburgh has also taken aging cornerbacks and had them change their position in the past, so that's on the table as well.
What do you think about the Steelers cutting Savage? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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