The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to have a new identity in 2026. Of course, the framework that one of the NFL’s storied franchises has laid will remain in place. This is especially true because Pittsburgh native Mike McCarthy was hired as head coach following the departure of Mike Tomlin. That being said, McCarthy is going to bring a new voice and has already brought new coaches into the fold.
Despite winning the AFC North in 2025, the Steelers still need to improve significantly in 2026. While they and the rest of the NFL world await a decision from four-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the Steelers have gone about the process of re-tooling their roster.
And they are about to sign a player with similar roots as McCarthy’s.
Darnell Savage plans to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers, Darnell Savage, NFL free agency
Oct 27, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) makes a reception for a touchdown defended by Washington Commanders safety Darnell Savage (25) during the third quarter of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
According to NFL insider Aaron Wilson, one player that the Steelers are about to add is safety Darnell Savage, who is a former first round pick of the Green Bay Packers, the team that gave McCarthy his start as a head coach:
Veteran safety Darnell Savage Jr. intends to sign with #Steelers, per veteran agent Seth Katz. Katz told @KPRC2 Savage is making preparations for 2026 season. ‘Darnell is looking forward to playing for the Steelers,’ Katz said. pic.twitter.com/7thdBzVXP3
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 25, 2026
While both McCarthy and Savage came from Green Bay, their times there did not intersect. Savage was drafted in 2019, the year after the former Packers coach was fired.
After five sub-par seasons in Green Bay, Savage hit free agency in 2024 and played for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Last year, Savage played 12 NFL regular season games for three different teams. He was released after two games in Jacksonville and was quickly picked up by the Washington Commanders. He played eight games there before again being released.
Savage then played two games for the Buffalo Bills.
All told, Savage had 18 total tackles, three passes defended, and a forced fumble in those 12 games.
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