Steelers Release Darnell Savage Days Into Training Camp

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers just made a very surprising move. Only a week into training camp, the team has released veteran defensive back Darnell Savage, who signed with the team this offseason.

The Steelers announced they have moved on from Savage and signed former Cleveland Browns safety Rayshawn Jenkins. It was believed that Jenkins was coming in to be the team's fourth safety, but Pittsburgh has other plans.

We have signed S Rayshawn Jenkins to a one-year contract and released S Darnell Savage. @BordasLaw

📝: https://t.co/eDoi6ZCa4U pic.twitter.com/KEQo0V7xQo
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 2, 2026

The Steelers waited months to sign Savage after agreeing to terms only days into free agency. They signed him to a one-year deal just before minicamp as he dealt with injury concerns over the offseason and needed to clear things up before signing.

Savage looked impressive on the opening day of training camp, working with the first-team alongside Jaquan Brisker. With DeShon Elliott making his way back from injury, Savage was getting plenty of reps and playing well during them.

He was not involved in practice the two days before he was released.

Pittsburgh's safety depth now includes Elliott, Brisker, Jenkins, Sebastian Castro and Robert Spears-Jennings. They also expect Jalen Ramsey to play the position as well as cornerback when he returns from injury.

Steelers Concerns At Safety

While Brisker and Elliott bring a lot of excitement, there are concerns about the safety room in Pittsburgh. Elliott is coming off a major knee/hamstring injury, and Ramsey is now dealing with his own knee injury. Both are expected to be major contributors to the defense.

Savage looked like an answer to start camp. He was quick, bigger than expected and made a few nice plays on the opening day of practice. He then disappeared for the remainder of the week, and you noticed the Steelers looking for alternatives in Jack Henderson and Robert Spears-Jennings.

So, right now, they're down to limited reliable/healthy options, and will hope Jenkins is the answer.

The initial thoughts of signing Jenkins was that the Steelers were preparing for Ramsey to miss time. Because they also spoke with Jordan Whitehead, it seemed they were searching for another veteran while Mike McCarthy was also saying no changes were coming from the PUP list.

However, that not being the case may be a good sign. If Ramsey is nearing a healthier spot, as well as Elliott, the depth looks much better. As long as Jenkins can bring the same level of play Savage would've, or higher.

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