Darnell Savage returned to the Green Bay Packers active roster last week after being sidelined with an injured calf for four weeks.
He did so with what was likely his best overall NFL game in three years, contributing to the Chiefs’ passing game being limited to 201 yards. However, Packers rumors about Savage and his future have long lingered, and they will continue to do so during this Green Bay stretch run.
According to Bleacher Report, Savage, who is a free agent this offseason, could be wrapping up his Packers career. The folks at B/R believe Savage is on his way to another Bay—the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Here’s how the site sees things playing out:
“If Antoine Winfield Jr. leaves in free agency, Tampa Bay will need a free safety who can roam the field.” Savage, who has the speed to be a good center fielder and cover sideline to sideline, can fill that role. He also has good ball skills, having made nine career interceptions and defended 31 passes in five years.
“While he certainly isn’t the same caliber of player as Winfield is, the Packer will probably be one of the front office’s best options for replacing the 2021 Pro Bowler.”
Packers Rumors Were Plentiful on Darnell Savage
Darnell Savage was a frequent subject of Packers rumors prior to the start of this season. The team’s decision to pick up his $7.9 million fifth-year option was somewhat contentious, as it made him the 17th-highest paid safety in football. That’s because Savage’s performance in the 2021 season began to wane after a strong first two seasons following his first-round selection out of Maryland in 2019.
Nonetheless, the Packers granted him the option year payout in the 2022 offseason, a deal that would be effective in the 2023 season. Darnell Savage’s slow start turned into a tailspin that resulted in him being benched last year.
However, the Packers decided to keep him this season. They had seen enough talent in his first two years—he was an All-Rookie selection in 2019—to hope for one more good season from him before he became a free agent. He may very well leave Green Bay, but he is leaving on a high note.
Against Kansas City, he rated a Pro Football Focus grade of 85.0, which marked his highest grade since 2020.
‘He’s Really Flipped the Switch’
While Darnell Savage’s benching last year sparked Packers rumors, he has shown a higher level of professionalism and leadership this year, which has been needed for a team that lost captain Adrian Amos at safety after last year and is packed with youth in the defensive backfield.
According to Packers defensive backs coach Ryan Downard, the changes were noticeable from the start of the season.
“I’ve stood here and told you how much I believe in him and his abilities. Back in September, Downard said of Savage, “I thought he did a really good job trusting himself and pulling the trigger.” “I simply believe it is a result of his preparation.” In terms of practice habits, he’s really flipped the switch. Not that he hadn’t been working hard in the past. That’s not what I mean. But he’s taken it to a whole new level.
“He’s really done a fantastic job, just in terms of his overall demeanor and approach.” Some of the outcomes were visible.”
