Darnell Savage Explains Why He Signed With the Jaguars

The Jaguars managed to add the former first-round pick last week, but why did they appeal to the ex-Packers safety?

Just like his other free agent peers, Jacksonville Jaguars safety Darnell Savage was all smiles as he walked to the podium at Miller Electric Center this week. 

He had a lot to be happy about, after all. After five seasons with the Green Bay Packers, Savage agreed to terms with the Jaguars on a three-year deal early in free agency. The Jaguars made Savage a priority, and for reason. 

"I'm really excited. I think it's such a long process, it just feels like it's dragged out so to finally figure out where you're going and to get here and have all the same feelings that you had when you made your decision, it feels good. I'm happy to be here," Savage said to local media.

"Just the energy. The energy from the coaches, just everybody here. I kind of had a feel for that during the whole process and it's stayed true since I've gotten here. I'm excited."

Savage, who played both safety roles as well as in the slot at times, appeared in 72 regular season games for the Packers, starting 69. He also started seven playoff games.

In five years with the Packers, Savage recorded 302 tackles, nine tackles for loss, one sack, 32 pass breakups, and nine interceptions.

In 2023, Savage appeared in 10 games for the Packers and recorded 51 tackles and five pass breakups.

"My versatility. I can do a lot of different things. I've been playing safety these past few years but I really truly believe I can move around and just do anything on the defensive side of the ball. So, I'm excited for that and ready to get to work," Savage said.

Like all free agents when they are first signed, Savage noted conversations on his exact role were still to come. But regardless of how he is used, he's confident in his new destination. 

"We'll see, I just got here today. I just landed a few hours ago, we aren't really talking ball like that yet. I'm just excited to put names to faces and just meet everybody and feel all the good vibes around here," Savage said. 

"Obviously Doug Pederson is a Super Bowl guy. Won one as a player and as a coach I'm pretty sure. Then, Coach Nielsen has been around and he's coached a lot of great players. Just his energy, he's a get after it kind of guy so I like that.”