Steelers' Incoming Veteran May Now Be Planning To Bail On Team And Refuse To Play For Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers had a clear goal entering the 2026 offseason that eventually came to fruition. The front office, led by General Manager Omar Khan and Team President Art Rooney II, wanted to make sure it bolstered the depth chart in a way so that there were no glaring needs by the time the 2026 NFL Draft rolled along. The franchise did a very impressive job completing this plan, which was highlighted by a trade that got Michael Pittman Jr. to the Steel City. Despite the moves, the collective is set to have a dozen picks when the big event commences, which will allow the decision-makers to get extremely aggressive.

A lot of mock drafts have focused on the offensive line as well as the wide receiver room, and rightfully so, but the Steelers also could use some help at other positions, including quarterback, inside linebacker, defensive line, cornerback and safety. Based on the current contracts on the roster and aging veterans in the locker room, it's a great draft for the team to have 12 picks in. It's unlikely that all will be used; however, there are options.

There is an elephant in the room, though, that has not been talked about that much at all. Pittsburgh has DeShon Elliott, Jalen Ramsey and Jaquan Brisker in the safeties' room. Ramsey is expected to be moving around a good bit, which is why many are anticipating the organization drafting someone who plays the position relatively high up.

Khan and co. wouldn't necessarily be tied down to doing this if the other veteran free-agent signing in Darnell Savage actually committed to the Steelers by now. It was reported that the defender is currently going through a drawn out medical process with the franchise, but something else might be going on behind closed doors that no one knows about. If the Steelers draft a safety to pair with the trio under contract, that might not leave room for Savage, who is a veteran at the age of 28.

If he believes that he can still play, why commit to signing a contract that could end up with him getting released before the regular season even begins? His representation could absolutely have recommended that he wait to see what Pittsburgh does in the draft. There has been no team announcement of him signing, which should spark serious concern as it has been avoided throughout the middle of April.

Savage's presence is unlikely to make or break the Steelers' 2026 season. If there were medical worries, it's possible that the team told him he had until the NFL Draft to return and pass a physical. The other possible scenario is that he no longer wants to put pen to paper in Pittsburgh because he would be completely buried on the depth chart, particularly if there was a rookie drafted in the first couple of rounds.

It's hard for anyone to really blame Savage if this is the approach he has decided to take. Without many years left in his 20s, the safety could want to be in a situation in which he isn't just playing special teams. Additionally, he yet to be listed on the team's official website as a member of the roster.

He might not want to have to worry about not making a 53-man roster. The situation still has no true resolution, and that hints that one, or both sides, have agreed to put off the actual signing until further notice. Savage could officially decline the offer immediately after the draft.

Steelers Don't Necessarily Need Savage In Pittsburgh

Having veterans on the roster is very important; however, the Steelers already are pretty set in that department when it comes to the safeties on the depth chart. It's not impossible to imagine Savage eventually signing, being fifth on the depth chart, and eventually released. The reported signing of Brisker came after the one that announced Savage's agreement, so Savage could certainly be having buyer's remorse and deciding to hold out for the time being.

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