In a shocking move after going 0-2 this season, the Jacksonville Jaguars will cut safety Darnell Savage. According to the breaking news, it seems like the defensive back is no longer in the plans for Jacksonville, as this release comes as a surprise, especially early in the season. Unfortunately, the days were already numbered ever since Jacksonville was taken over by new head coach Liam Coen and his new regime. The Jaguars will take $10 million in dead cap, so it feels like there was something that Coen didn’t see in Savage. Originally selected in the 2019 NFL Draft, the former Maryland product spent the first few seasons with the Green Bay Packers, helping them have a decent secondary.
However, he became a free agent in 2024, when the Jaguars signed him to a three-year contract for almost $22 million. Savage was looking to be safe with his starting spot under the old regime of former head coach Doug Pederson, forming a duo with Andre Cisco, recording 40 solo tackles, six pass deflections and an interception in 13 games in 13 starts. Savage is still a starter in this league, so it shouldn’t be surprising if there’s a team that signs him this week. The question is what kind of contract he will take, but the veteran may have to settle for a low-stakes one-year deal with these three possible suitors.
Indianapolis Colts Receivers
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) falls over Jacksonville Jaguars safety Darnell Savage (6) on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Jaguars Cut Former First-Round Pick Darnell Savage; 3 Possible Next Teams
Potential Fits
Dallas Cowboys
While the Dallas Cowboys are 1-1 so far on the season, they must find a way to mortgage their future in their secondary. After losing DaRon Bland for just one game showed a preview of what happens when you don’t have efficient depth that can step up when it counts. Even though they got a victory by a miracle in a field goal against the Giants, their quarterback, Russell Wilson, still put up almost 500 passing yards. It was an atrocious performance from Trevon Diggs and Kaiir Elam, but the hope is that they can step up and improve their play.
However, they’re in dire need of depth in the safety unit. Between Donovan Wilson and Malik Hooker, there is room for improvement. Wilson finally got his first interception in a while, but that doesn’t take him off the hot seat. Savage won’t drastically change much about this safety room, but would give much-needed competition.
Kansas City Chiefs
Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs are way better than they’ve been playing for the past two games. It takes a few tweaks, both on offense and defense, to get them back in the groove of things. While they do have somewhat of an easier opponent this upcoming weekend, the Chiefs can’t get too ahead of themselves. With that, the Chiefs are in dire need of depth in their safety unit.
Deon Bush is on the IR, while Bryan Cook and Jaden Hicks are the only active members in this room. When they lost Justin Reid this offseason to the Saints, the Chiefs never found a replacement through free agency. While Savage won’t get the start, he will provide some solid veteran presence in this group.
Philadelphia Eagles
The good news for the Eagles still have one of the best defensive secondary units in the league, other than cornerback Adoree’ Jackson and safety Sydney Brown. Rookie Andrew Mukuba is showing a ton of promise this season, but why not add depth? Savage joining a team like the Eagles is a win-win for both parties.