The Pittsburgh Steelers have not yet officially signed safety Darnell Savage despite an earlier agreement, due to a medical issue. Beat writer Mike DeFabo clarified that the deal remains on track once the concern is resolved. The holdup has not derailed the planned one-year contract worth just over $1 million.
At the start of the new league year in early March, the Steelers agreed to terms with free agent safety Darnell Savage on a cost-effective one-year deal paying just over $1 million. The team also quickly signed safety Jaquan Brisker to a one-year contract. However, as May begins, Savage has yet to ink his agreement with Pittsburgh, according to The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo. “Savage, my understanding is that they came to an agreement. They basically realized they were looking for a depth safety. He kind of fit the price point, and the experience level they were looking for. There was some type of a medical issue that then delayed it. But it did not wipe the deal out,” DeFabo said on SNR Drive. “Basically, the Steelers were like, ‘Okay once this is not a problem anymore, then they’re planning to sign it.'” DeFabo noted that the specifics of the current medical issue are unclear. Savage, who has seven years of NFL experience including five with Green Bay, has faced injuries in recent seasons, including a concussion, ankle and quadriceps issues in 2024, and calf, chest and shoulder problems in 2023. He appeared in 12 games last year as a depth player and stayed healthy then, playing a combined 23 games over the prior two seasons. The Steelers bolstered their safety group by drafting Robert Spears-Jennings on Day 3. DeFabo suggested the rookie could fit on the practice squad, calling him a new variable. The team also has Brisker, DeShon Elliott, Sebastian Castro and potentially Jalen Ramsey at the position.
