Bills lose veteran safety in free agency

DENVER, COLORADO - JANUARY 17: Darnell Savage #25 of the Buffalo Bills defends in coverage during an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on January 17, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Buffalo Bills have lost another defensive back from the team's 2025 roster, with safety Darnell Savage set to sign a one-year contract to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers, per a source shared with Tom Pelissero. Savage was a key late-season depth addition for Buffalo, with the team claiming him off waivers after cornerback Darius Slay Jr. refused to report to One Bills Drive.

Savage and his elite 4.36 40-yard dash speed entered the NFL as a 2019 first-round pick with the Green Bay Packers, but he's since bounced around since entering free agency after his rookie contract was complete. He was with three teams alone in 2025 - first the Jacksonville Jaguars, then a stint with the Washington Commanders, and finally landing with the Bills in December.

In two regular-season games with Buffalo, Savage made two tackles and one pass defense; adding three tackles (1 solo) in one playoff appearance last season, per Pro Football Reference.

Savage is the second defensive back Buffalo lost on Tuesday, March 10. Earlier in the day, Cam Lewis agreed to terms on a two-year contract with the Chicago Bears. Additionally, former starting nickel cornerback Taron Johnson was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders, a twist in events after he was announced as a cap-savings roster cut.

Veteran safety Darnell Savage is signing a one-year deal with the Steelers, per source.

- Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 11, 2026