The (3-9) Washington Commanders are moving on as they have cut former Jacksonville Jaguar safety, Darnell Savage, who will now be available on waivers. According to reports, Savage requested that he wants out of Washington, and the Commanders granted it, so he now joins several other safeties, including Justin Simmons, who could sign with a team before the NFL postseason next month. Savage was a healthy scratch in the Commanders’ overtime loss to the Denver Broncos. Originally selected in the 2019 NFL Draft, the former Maryland product lost his starting spot in Jacksonville due to the new regime placed by the new head coach, Liam Coen.
Breaking: Commanders Cut Former First Rounder Darnell Savage Amid Request; Top Suitors Emerge
Despite having guarantees on his three-year contract that he signed for $21.75 million last year, the Jaguars didn’t see a role in what they were building in their roster. Unfortunately, the stint in Washington has been the most productive, recording just a defensive snap share of 33%. It will likely take some time for a team to claim him, but once he becomes a free agent, Savage could sign a new deal right before the playoffs.
Savage isn’t the most illustrious safety on the market, but the regime in Washington didn’t help him get the best numbers this season. The Commanders have lost seven straight games, including Savage giving up three touchdowns in coverage. These teams could bring him back on a rotational role this postseason, and Savage may get back to his old self.
Next Possible Teams
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys find themselves back in the playoff hunt at 6-5-1. While they have a ferocious interior defensive line and an offense that can win football games, they must find a way to upgrade the secondary. With Trevon Diggs out for another week, the Cowboys should consider signing Savage for depth makes sense. Rookie Shavon Revel Jr. and Reddy Steward have held their own ground, but players like DaRon Bland, Donovan Wilson and Malik Hooker need help.
Savage might’ve been struggling this past season, but the aura in Dallas could change his career trajectory. He won’t be starting, but it buys the Cowboys some breathing room if Hooker or Wilson sustains another injury.
Carolina Panthers
Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers are another NFC team that is surprising plenty around the league. Quarterback Bryce Young finally came back to life, but Savage could join in on the fun in Carolina alongside standout safety Tre’Von Moehrig.
At 7-5, the Panthers are close to winning their division, and adding Savage would boost more confidence, at least defensively. Games in the postseason are usually won by changing momentum throughout the matchup, and even though Savage might not be as explosive in recent memory, the Panthers might have a better system for him.
Kansas City Chiefs
It’s hard to realize that the Chiefs could find themselves out of the postseason for the first time in nearly a decade. However, it’s still possible, and they need work on their secondary. Bryan Cook and Chamarri Conner have experience, but why not get backup help like Savage to assist Jaden Hicks and Kevin Knowles to boost their chances for a deeper postseason run?
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