Steelers bolsters secondary with signing of Packers former first-round pick

“Veteran safety Darnell Savage Jr. intends to sign with #Steelers, per veteran agent Seth Katz. Katz told @KPRC2. Savage is making preparations for the 2026 season. ‘Darnell is looking forward to playing for the Steelers,’ Katz said.” Wilson wrote on a post in X (formerly Twitter).

Savage was selected by the Packers with the 21st overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft after the team traded up from No. 30. The Packers sent picks No. 30, 114, and 118 to the Seattle Seahawks to complete the move. Savage was also the first safety taken in that draft class.

Darnell Savage Jr.’s time with the Packers

The 28-year-old spent his first five seasons with the Green Bay Packers, including four alongside Aaron Rodgers. It remains unclear whether Rodgers will return next season for the Steelers, but he would have some familiarity if that scenario plays out. During his time in Green Bay, Savage played in 72 games and made 69 starts.

After his stint with the Packers, Darnell Savage signed a three-year contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars but was released after two seasons. He later joined the Washington Commanders, appeared in eight games, and was let go in December 2025.

Savage should add depth to the Steelers’ safety group, which already includes DeShon Elliott and Sebastian Castro. Jalen Ramsey saw time at safety last season, but it remains unclear whether he will stay in that role or shift back to cornerback.

Pittsburgh has made multiple offseason additions to bolster their secondary, with the expectation that these moves will help them build on the success they showed last season.