The Pittsburgh Steelers may not be done adding to their secondary just yet. According to recent reports, the team is still in play for former first-round safety Darnell Savage, despite the deal hitting an unexpected snag back in March.
When NFL free agency opened on March 10, news broke that Savage had agreed to terms with the Steelers. But more than a month later, the contract remains unsigned—leaving fans wondering what happened. Speaking on the Steelers radio show SNR Drive on April 30, The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo shed some light on the situation.
“My understanding is that they came to an agreement,” DeFabo explained. “The Steelers basically realized they were looking for a depth safety. Savage kind of fit the price and the experience level they wanted. There was some type of a medical issue that delayed it, but it did not wipe the deal out. The Steelers were like, ‘OK, once this is not a problem anymore’—and then they’re planning to sign him.”
DeFabo noted that his information came before the Steelers drafted Oklahoma safety Robert Spears-Jennings in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft. However, he believes Spears-Jennings is more of a practice squad candidate, meaning Savage’s path to the roster remains largely unaffected.
Still, Savage’s spot on the 53-man roster is far from guaranteed. “Truth be told, Savage did not have a great year last year,” DeFabo said. “I don’t think he’d even be guaranteed to make the team. You’re talking about four or five guys right on the fringe. He’s one of those guys.”
Savage, now 28, entered the NFL as the 21st overall pick in the 2019 draft by the Green Bay Packers. After spending the early part of his career under head coach Matt LaFleur, he bounced around in 2025, playing for three different teams. Over 12 games (one start), he recorded 18 combined tackles and three passes defensed. Across seven NFL seasons, he has 10 career interceptions.
DeFabo was also asked about defensive lineman Dean Lowry, who similarly agreed to a deal with the Steelers but never signed. Unlike Savage, Lowry pulled out of the agreement to continue rehabbing from a torn ACL, despite being medically cleared. DeFabo admitted he has less clarity on Lowry’s status moving forward.
For now, the Savage situation remains one to watch—a veteran safety with first-round pedigree and a chance to prove he still belongs in the league.