The Buffalo Bills have now made a second stab at secondary help this week. Cornerback Darius Slay announced earlier that he was reevaluating the future of his football career after being claimed by the Bills. This forced Buffalo to hit the waiver wire once again, but this time they found a former first-round pick safety, Darnell Savage.
Savage was picked 21st overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. He started as a rookie with the Green Bay Packers and recorded four interceptions in his second year in the league.
He played out the remainder of his rookie contract at Lambeau before looking for more money elsewhere.
His search took him to Jacksonville, where he signed a three-year, nearly $22 million contract with the Jaguars. He played 13 games with the Jags in 2024 but was traded to the Washington Commanders after just two games this season.
His tenure in the nation’s capital didn’t last too long either, as he was cut from the struggling Commanders on Thursday.
The 28-year-old now lands with the Super Bowl hopeful Bills, where he will look to revive his promising career.
Darnell Savage’s Time In Washington Ended In Drama
Savage made a ceremonious exit from Green Bay. Teams are not always lucky enough to retain former first-round draft picks, especially if they perform up to their first-round billing. That was the case for the Packers.
For Jacksonville, Savage got a raw deal. He was heavily paid by a coaching staff that was then fired. The new staff didn’t value his talents the same. Understandably, that relationship ended.
In Washington, however, it appears as though Savage was the catalyst for his speedy exit.
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn took over defensive duties after firing his defensive coordinator a few weeks ago.
In his second game as DC, Quinn made the highly paid Savage a healthy scratch.
This decision obviously didn’t sit well with Savage, who, according to Aaron Wilson from KPRC 2 Houston, asked for his release days later.
Savage Beefs Up An Injured Defense
Savage is going to be a very welcome addition to a defense that cannot stay off the injury report.
There are four defensive backs on the injured reserve for Buffalo so far this season. These injuries forced the team to turn to seasoned veteran Jordan Poyer and 2024 second-round pick Cole Bishop.
The duo of Poyer and Bishop has been the only two safeties on the roster to play snaps since Week 6.
Savage, if he doesn’t come in and take over a full-time starting spot, can at the very least provide some depth and relief to an entirely overworked position group.
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