Steelers Are Now Avoiding Announcement Of Free Agent Signing Following Health Questions

The Pittsburgh Steelers did a rather stellar job throughout the main wave of 2026 free agency. The team addressed several holes on the roster, which will now allow General Manager Omar Khan to do whatever he wants when the NFL Draft arrives and the organization is on the clock in the first round. Wide receiver, left guard, and safety remain as three positions that could be targeted by the front office. While there are new faces in the locker room that are expected to help these areas, the franchise will have the opportunity to take one of the best players available at his position.

Pittsburgh has had some inconsistencies in the back end of the defense in recent years. Injuries have popped up and the overall play has been spotty at times. The Steelers looked to address this with the signing of Jaquan Brisker, as the fifth-year safety will play for a team other than the Chicago Bears for the first time in his career.

The front office also decided to dive deep into the veteran bargain bin with Darnell Savage. The defender played for three different franchises in 2025, signaling that he isn't really going to be playing at a top-notch level. Despite this reality, the Steelers saw some value in agreeing to a deal with him. The move hasn't been officially announced by the organization however, sparking some speculation about what could be going on behind closed doors.

Team insider Mark Kaboly joined The Fan Morning Show on Monday to discuss everything going on with Pittsburgh. When asked about Savage, he noted that the medical process seems to be dragging out a little bit longer for the safety.

"They were still checking on medicals with him last time I heard," Kaboly said. "I'm not 100 percent sure. I don't think they anticipate anything happening. I think it's just a matter of going through a process."

While there isn't too much concern right now, per Kaboly, it's still strange that nothing has been confirmed by the team at this point. At 28 years old, it seems as if the Steelers are doing their due diligence regarding Savage. The reporter also said that he doesn't think the team is going to go back on its word of signing Savage due to the acquisition of Brisker that came afterwards.

"Not that I know of," Kaboly noted. "I just thought they had to make sure on some medicals and I don't think he's top of the list of being announced by the team of signing, but once again, rotational depth piece."

The organization could announce that Savage has put pen to paper pretty much at any moment. He isn't the most high-profile signing, so there could simply be an understanding that Khan and co. wanted his medicals to look crystal clear before everything becomes official.

Free agency isn't an easy thing to navigate and the Steelers did it in a very respectable way. There were some big moves, but also smaller, yet necessary agreements like the one with Savage. 

The veteran isn't likely to come in and perform at an All-Pro level; however, his presence will be felt and it's never a bad thing to have experience in the room. Although, with aging comes potential injuries, and there remain questions about why he isn't official a Steeler just yet.

Steelers Do Not Really Have Any Glaring Holes After Free Agency

Pittsburgh has 12 selections currently for the 2026 NFL Draft. Even if Savage has some kind of medical issue that is not known right now, the team will be able to invest in the position rather early on. Aside from the quarterback spot, the Steelers are in pretty good shape from the top of the roster all the way down to the bottom. Fans will be skeptical about someone like Savage, however, until his acquisition is officially announced.

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