Darnell Savage Jr. Bio
Darnell Henry Savage Jr. is an American professional football safety who currently plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. Born on July 30, 1997, in Newark, Delaware, Savage attended Caravel Academy before playing college football at the University of Maryland from 2015 to 2018. The Green Bay Packers selected him in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft with the 21st overall pick. Over his NFL career, Savage has played for the Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Washington Commanders, Buffalo Bills, and Pittsburgh Steelers, accumulating 371 career tackles and 10 interceptions. He earned PFWA All-Rookie Team honors in 2019 after an impressive debut season.
Early Life and Background
Savage grew up in Newark, Delaware, where he attended Caravel Academy. During his junior year of high school, he suffered a broken femur in the second game of the season, which ended his campaign prematurely. The injury was a significant setback, but Savage recovered and returned to form as a senior. That final year, he starred at both running back and cornerback, rushing for 1,298 yards and 13 touchdowns while recording 54 tackles on defense.
As a three-star recruit, Savage received interest from several colleges. He ultimately decided to continue his football career at the University of Maryland, where he would develop into one of the Big Ten Conference’s top defensive backs.
Path to the NFL
At Maryland from 2015 to 2018, Savage developed into a versatile safety with strong coverage abilities. Over four seasons, he recorded 182 tackles, eight interceptions, one sack, and two touchdowns. His performance earned him recognition in the Big Ten, being named Honorable Mention All-Big Ten as a junior in 2017 and Second-Team All-Big Ten as a senior in 2018.
Prior to the 2019 NFL Draft, Savage participated in the Senior Bowl, where he further impressed scouts with his athleticism and instincts. NFL analysts ranked him among the top safeties in the draft class, with projections ranging from the late first round to the second round. His 4.36-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine particularly stood out to scouts.
Analysts noted Savage’s compact frame, muscular build, and sticky cover skills. They highlighted his ability to close on throws from all areas of the field and projected him as a Day 2 selection with early starting potential in a two-high zone or slot coverage role. The Green Bay Packers, concerned he would not be available at their original pick, traded up with the Seattle Seahawks to acquire the 21st overall selection.
Darnell Savage Jr. Career
Green Bay Packers (2019–2023)
The Green Bay Packers selected Savage in the first round (21st overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft. They acquired the pick from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for the 30th overall selection and two fourth-round picks. Savage was the first safety and defensive back drafted in 2019, brought in to replace Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Jermaine Whitehead at free safety. He signed a four-year, $12.51 million contract fully guaranteed with a $7.12 million signing bonus.
Savage entered training camp as the starting free safety under defensive coordinator Mike Pettine. Head coach Matt LaFleur named him and Adrian Amos the starting safety tandem to begin the regular season. He made his professional debut in the season-opener against the Chicago Bears, recording three solo tackles and a pass deflection in the 10-3 victory. His first career interception came in Week 3 against the Denver Broncos. Savage missed two games in Weeks 6-7 due to a high ankle sprain but returned to post a season-high eight combined tackles in a win at the Kansas City Chiefs. He finished his rookie year with 50 tackles, five pass deflections, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions in 14 starts, earning PFWA All-Rookie Team honors.
In 2020, Savage started 15 games and recorded 75 tackles, 12 pass deflections, and four interceptions, including a two-interception game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday Night Football. The Packers finished 13-3 and advanced to the NFC Championship Game, where Savage recorded five tackles in the Divisional Round win over Seattle. In 2021, he started all 17 games with 63 tackles, nine pass deflections, and two interceptions. The following year, Savage appeared in 16 games with 15 starts, compiling 58 tackles and his first career defensive touchdown on a 75-yard interception return against the Minnesota Vikings. In 2023, he was limited to 10 games due to injuries but earned a 75.5 grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking 15th among safeties.
Jacksonville Jaguars (2024–2025)
On March 11, 2024, Savage signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars on a three-year, $21.75 million contract that included $12.5 million guaranteed and a $5 million signing bonus. Head coach Doug Pederson named him the starting safety alongside Andre Cisco. Savage struggled with injuries in his first season with Jacksonville, missing four games (Weeks 2-5) due to a quadriceps injury. He recorded his first interception as a Jaguar in Week 10 against the Minnesota Vikings. A concussion in Week 14 ended his season after 13 starts, finishing with 51 tackles and six pass deflections. The Jaguars released Savage on September 16, 2025.
Washington Commanders (2025)
Savage signed with the Washington Commanders on September 22, 2025. In eight appearances with Washington, he recorded 15 combined tackles, one pass deflection, and one forced fumble. He requested and received his release from Washington on December 4, 2025.
Buffalo Bills (2025)
The Buffalo Bills claimed Savage off waivers on December 6, 2025. He made two appearances (one start) for Buffalo, recording one pass deflection and two tackles to close out the 2025 season.
Pittsburgh Steelers (2026–Present)
On June 2, 2026, Savage signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, joining his fifth NFL team and continuing his career in the AFC North division.
Driving Style and Strengths
Savage is known for his exceptional recovery speed and instincts in coverage. His ability to close quickly on throws from deep centerfield makes him particularly effective in two-high safety formations. Scouts have praised his sticky cover skills, football IQ, and aggressive, physical playing style. He demonstrates versatility by lining up in multiple positions and contributes effectively against both the pass and the run.
Notable Events and Milestones
Savage’s most memorable career moment came in the 2024 NFC Wildcard Game against the Dallas Cowboys. Playing for Green Bay, he intercepted a pass from Dak Prescott intended for CeeDee Lamb and returned it 64 yards for a touchdown in the Packers’ 48-32 victory. As the 21st overall pick in 2019, he was the first safety selected in that draft class. His rookie contract was worth $12.51 million with $7.12 million guaranteed, reflecting the Packers’ confidence in his abilities.
Darnell Savage Jr. Career Wins
Across his NFL career spanning multiple teams, Savage has established himself as a reliable starting safety with strong coverage abilities and playmaking instincts.
NFL Highlights
Through the 2025 season, Savage has recorded 371 career tackles, 10 interceptions, 41 pass deflections, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 sack, and 1 defensive touchdown in regular season play. He earned PFWA All-Rookie Team recognition in 2019 and was named Second-team All-Big Ten in 2018 during his senior season at Maryland. His signature moment came in the 2024 playoffs when he returned an interception for a touchdown against Dallas.
College and Minor Awards
Savage earned Second-team All-Big Ten honors at Maryland in 2018 and Honorable Mention All-Big Ten recognition in 2017. He was the first safety selected in the 2019 NFL Draft.
| Season | Tackles | Interceptions | Pass Deflections |
|---|---|---|---|
| Career Total | 371 | 10 | 41 |
Darnell Savage Jr. Family
Family Background and Early Influences
Limited verified information is available regarding Savage’s family background or racing lineage, as he has maintained privacy regarding his personal family details throughout his professional career.
Personal Life
Savage has kept his personal life largely private, with no publicly verified information about a spouse or children. He remains focused on his football career while residing in the cities where he plays.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season saw Savage continue his journeyman NFL career with three teams. He began the year with the Jacksonville Jaguars before being released in September. Washington signed him later that month, where he contributed in a reserve role before requesting his release in early December. The Buffalo Bills claimed him off waivers, providing him an opportunity to finish the season with a Super Bowl contender. Savage appeared in two games with one start, recording two tackles and one pass deflection for Buffalo.
Despite the roster changes, Savage demonstrated his durability and professionalism throughout a challenging season. His ability to transition quickly between different defensive systems showed his football IQ and adaptability. As he joined the Bills’ secondary, he competed for playing time in a competitive defensive unit.
Looking ahead, Savage signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in June 2026, giving him an opportunity to restart with a new organization in the AFC North. The Steelers’ defense offers him a chance to contribute as a veteran presence in the secondary while competing for a starting role.