The Jacksonville Jaguars have a deal in place to sign Green Bay Packers safety Darnell Savage to a three-year contract when he becomes a free agent Wednesday, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
The deal is set pay Savage $21 million over the three years with $12.5 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
— Darnell Savage Jr. (@darnellsavage_) March 11, 2024
Savage, 26, was a first-round pick in the 2019 NFL draft and played the 2023 season on the fifth-year option of his rookie contract. During his time in Green Bay, the safety recorded nine interceptions, one forced fumble, 32 passes defended, and nine tackles for loss. He also recorded a pick six in the Packers’ postseason win against the Dallas Cowboys.
DARNELL SAVAGE PICK-6. WOW.
📺: #GBvsDAL on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/Ut3BRhC2CE pic.twitter.com/ERbaOsRW08— NFL (@NFL) January 14, 2024
His final season with the Packers was plagued by calf and shoulder injuries, which caused him to miss seven games.
While the Jaguars released Rayshawn Jenkins earlier in March to save more than $5.1 million in salary cap space, the decision to go after a safety in free agency is still a bit of a surprise. Fifth-round pick Antonio Johnson impressed as a rookie in 2023 and appeared in line to take over for Jenkins at strong safety with veteran Andrew Wingard providing quality depth.
Instead, the Jaguars may envision a nickel cornerback role for Johnson with Savage in the starting lineup.
