The Green Bay Packers appear to be getting hot at the right time, as they have won three straight games to help put them in position to earn a wild-card spot in the crowded NFC playoff picture. While things are going well for the team currently, the same can’t be said for one of their former players, safety Darnell Savage.
A former first-round pick for the Packers, Savage has had a rough 2025 campaign. After getting released by the Jacksonville Jaguars early this season, Savage latched on with the Washington Commanders, but he operated as a depth option, rather than a starter. Ahead of Week 14, Savage received some more bad news that will only make a tough season even worse for him.
Darnell Savage Gets Released by the Commanders
Savage was initially selected with the No. 21 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, and for the first five seasons of his career, he was a solid starter for the Packers in their secondary. After the 2023 campaign, Green Bay let Savage walk in free agency, and he signed a three-year, $21.75 million contract with the Jaguars in free agency.
Considering how he barely made it through one season with the Jags, it’s safe to say that deal did not work out for the team as expected. While Savage has a nose for the football, he often needs to create turnovers to be effective in the secondary, as he simply does not hold up well enough in coverage for teams to keep him on the field.
While Savage spent eight games with the Commanders after getting released by the Jaguars, he played sparingly, racking up just 15 tackles, one pass deflection, and one fumble forced during his time on the field. With his role continuing to remain limited, Savage reportedly asked Washington to release him, and that request was granted on Thursday morning.
“NFL veteran safety Darnell Savage has requested to be released and Commanders are expected to grant his request, per league sources,” Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reported.
Should the Packers Reunite with Darnell Savage in Free Agency?
GettySafety Darnell Savage of the Green Bay Packers.
Given his familiarity with the Packers’ defensive system, Savage has quickly emerged as a potential free agent target for the team as the regular season winds down. You can never have too much depth on your roster, and even if he returns as a practice squad member, having a guy like Savage who can be counted on could be key if injuries begin popping up for Green Bay could be key.
Safety just isn’t an area where the team needs help, though. Xavier McKinney and Evan Williams have been holding down the fort this year, with Zayne Anderson and Kitan Oladapo factoring into the mix as well. Savage could be stashed on the practice squad, but it seems like he’s looking for an opportunity to earn more playing time. And unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like that’s going to be something he can get with the team that initially drafted him back in 2019.
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