Former first-round safety Darnell Savage was set to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers during NFL free agency on March 10, insiders reported.
And now, over a month later, he has yet to put pen to paper.
However, while speaking with Steelers radio show SNR Drive on April 30, The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo said that the deal is still in play.
“My understanding is that they came to an agreement,” DeFabo said. “(The Steelers) basically realized that they were looking for a depth safety. (Savage) kind of fit
the price and the experience level that they were looking for. There was some type of a medical issue that then delayed it, but it did not wipe the deal out. Basically, the Steelers were like, ‘OK, once this is not a problem anymore’ — then they’re planning to sign him.”
DeFabo added that his knowledge of the scenario came before the Steelers drafted Oklahoma safety Robert Spears-Jennings in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft. However, he said that Spears-Jennings is likely a name who can be stashed on the practice squad, not affecting the Savage situation much.
Still, DeFabo said Savage’s 53-man roster chances aren’t the strongest, either. “Truth be told, Savage did not have a great year last year,” he 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 started his NFL career in 2019 as the 21st overall pick in the draft by the Green Bay Packers under head coach Matt LaFleur. The now-28-year-old safety spent 2025 with three different teams, logging 12 games played, one start, 18 combined tackles, and three passes defensed. He has 10 career interceptions over his seven NFL seasons.
DeFabo was also asked about the status of defensive lineman Dean Lowry. Like Savage, Lowry was reported to have signed with the Steelers but never did, with the defender pulling out of the deal to continue working back from a torn ACL suffered last season despite being medically cleared.
DeFabo said he has less clarity on Lowry’s status compared to Savage’s. But if Lowry does sign, he’s not expected to be a major piece for the 2026 Steelers.
“He’s had a very good career. I don’t want to take anything away from Dean Lowry,” DeFabo said. “But he’s been a solid rotational piece since he’s been a Steeler. Now, he’s going to be 32 at some point this season. He’s coming off of an ACL injury. So, he’s going to be one of those guys, whether he signs or not, that would be right on the roster’s fringe.”
Steelers OTAs will kick off May 18.
