The Pittsburgh Steelers have been quite active in the offseason, addressing several key areas of concern on their roster. General manager Omar Khan and his staff have done a commendable job of plugging holes, particularly at the wide receiver position, secondary, and offensive line. The additions of cornerback Jamel Dean and safety Jaquan Brisker have significantly upgraded the roster, and the fans should feel more confident in the team's overall depth and talent.
However, one peculiar situation still lingers, and that is the case of safety Darnell Savage. Despite reports suggesting that the two sides had agreed on a deal, the Steelers have yet to officially announce Savage's signing. This has led to some confusion, with Savage's status remaining unclear. The veteran safety is listed on the depth chart on ESPN, but it's essential to note that this is not an official depth chart, and neither the team nor the player has publicly acknowledged the signing.
Beat writer Mark Kaboly recently appeared on 93.7 The Fan and shed some light on the situation. Kaboly revealed that he has not seen Savage and is unsure if the safety is even on the roster. He mentioned that there was some health-related issue that Savage needed to address, and the team was going to bring him back after that. However, Kaboly has not heard anything since, leaving him to wonder if the Steelers might have had a change of heart, similar to the Maxx Crosby situation.
Savage, a first-round pick in 2019, has played for the Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Washington Commanders, and Buffalo Bills. His experience and talent would undoubtedly be an asset to the Steelers' secondary. Nevertheless, it appears that a medical issue is currently preventing him from signing with the team and continuing his NFL career. The Steelers' top three safeties, DeShon Elliott, Jalen Ramsey, and Brisker, provide a solid foundation, and while Savage could be a valuable depth addition, he is not necessarily a priority.
The situation surrounding Savage's signing is a reminder that the NFL offseason can be unpredictable and full of twists and turns. As the Steelers continue to prepare for the 2026 campaign, they will likely monitor Savage's status and weigh their options. In the meantime, the team will focus on developing their current roster and making any necessary adjustments to ensure they are competitive in the coming season.
Sebastian Castro, who contributed to the team's special teams unit in 2025, could potentially fill the Miles Killebrew role on the roster. The Steelers' secondary has undergone significant changes in recent years, and the addition of players like Dean and Brisker suggests that the team is committed to improving their pass defense. While the Savage situation remains unresolved, the Steelers can take comfort in knowing that they have a talented and experienced safety corps to rely on.
As the NFL offseason continues to unfold, the Steelers will likely face more challenges and opportunities. The team's front office will need to remain proactive and adaptable to ensure that the roster is well-equipped to compete in the highly competitive AFC North. With the draft and training camp on the horizon, the Steelers will have ample opportunities to fine-tune their roster and make any necessary adjustments to position themselves for success in the 2026 season.
The Steelers have made significant upgrades to their roster, particularly at the wide receiver position, secondary, and offensive line.
The team's secondary has been bolstered by the additions of cornerback Jamel Dean and safety Jaquan Brisker.
Darnell Savage's signing remains unofficial due to a reported health-related issue.
The Steelers' top three safeties, DeShon Elliott, Jalen Ramsey, and Brisker, provide a solid foundation, making Savage a potential depth addition rather than a priority.
The team will continue to monitor Savage's status and weigh their options as they prepare for the 2026 campaign.