Steelers Sign Former Jaguars First-Round Pick To Their Practice Squad, Per Source

Pittsburgh, Pa. — Sept. 20, 2025. The Pittsburgh Steelers are signing veteran safety Darnell Savage to their practice squad pending a physical, according to a league source with direct knowledge of the agreement. The move has not appeared on the NFL’s daily transaction wire, and the club has not announced it publicly. The source requested anonymity because the deal is not yet official.

A 2019 first-round pick, Savage spent five seasons with Green Bay before departing in 2024. He joined Jacksonville last year, logging starter snaps in the secondary and contributing on special teams before his release earlier this week. A move to Pittsburgh offers a fresh opportunity for a versatile defensive back whose range and closing speed fit the league’s trend toward multi-role safeties.

In a brief statement, Savage underscored his mindset about the change:
“THE JAGUARS GAVE UP ON ME, BUT THE STEELERS SAW MY VALUE RIGHT AWAY. THAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A TEAM THAT DOUBTS YOU AND A TEAM THAT BUILDS LEGENDS. TODAY I’M PROUD TO WEAR THE BLACK AND GOLD.”

For the Steelers, a practice-squad agreement provides cost-controlled depth and flexibility as the secondary navigates early-season injuries and matchup-specific plans. Under standard rules, a veteran on the practice squad can be elevated up to three times to the active roster for game day without immediately requiring a full 53-man contract. If Savage practices well, a promotion becomes a straightforward next step; if not, Pittsburgh retains roster and cap agility.

Savage is expected to complete his physical and finalize paperwork in the coming days. Any corresponding transaction to open a practice-squad slot would be announced once the deal is official.