To the surprise of no one, the Green Bay Packers stood pat the trade deadline. While the emotional part of my brain would have loved a new toy, the logical part has seen this movie multiple times.
While the Packers’ decision not to buy (but still be in every conversation) wasn’t unexpected, it’s fair to wonder if they should have been sellers. There are players who are not currently contributing to this foundering Green Bay squad who likely won’t play a role in the future. Even if the Aaron Rodgers era lasts a few more years, the Packers could use the cap space and capital to make moves to keep that quickly closing window open a bit longer.
But, alas, a move didn’t occur. Now, the Packers need to figure out a way to get some value from Darnell Savage, a player who has struggled mightily the past two seasons but will cost Green Bay a guaranteed $7.9 million.
Not too long ago, it looked like the Packers had one of the league’s top safety duos in Savage and Adrian Amos. The latter was a reliable veteran and one of the team’s unsung heroes, while Savage was a first-rounder on an ascending path.
But Savage struggled in his first year under Joe Barry, often looking lost, failing to finish plays, and hardly a robust tackler. Brian Gutekunst chose to believe in his draft choice and picked up Savage’s fifth-year option. But with nothing guaranteed after 2023 and Amos’ contract up after 2022, safety looked like a significant need this past off-season.
Still, Gutekunst didn’t heavily invest in the position, leaving the future at safety unknown. Worse yet? While Amos has regressed slightly, Savage is turning into a full-on liability.
Unfortunately, Savage has never been an amazing tackler. But he’s been abysmal this season. Against the Buffalo Bills, Savage was credited for three missed tackles (the team had a season-high 16). From just watching the initial game, it’s amazing there weren’t more. Maybe he wasn’t close enough for the other ones to count? One was a particularly bad tackle attempt on a 20-yard Josh Allen run. Tackling Allen is like trying to stomp a Minotaur, but it was still a highlight (or lowlight) of what Savage’s attempts have looked like all season. Savage’s missed tackle rate is seventh in the league for eligible safeties.
Savage hasn’t played with speed or decisiveness and looks lost on the field. It’s fair to wonder if Barry’s scheme isn’t the right fit for him and that Savage has lost confidence.
Dairyland Express’s Paul Bretl noted that Barry expects his safeties to play a big role in the run game, and Savage appears unable or unwilling to do so.
Matt LaFleur appeared unhappy with Savage’s efforts following Sunday’s loss, saying, “I think he’s got to be better in those situations. As a safety, you must clean that up. … It’s something we’re definitely going to address.”
Many of Savage’s issues are symbolic of the defense as a whole. The Packers defenders have rolled ones on most of their tackle attempts this season and often look lost. Almost the entire unit isn’t playing with the necessary swagger. But Savage has been on a particular downward spiral since early last season.
Yet Savage remains on the Packers roster. His $7.9 million fifth-year option is guaranteed, even if they drop him. Is there a way to salvage his career with Green Bay?
One option is to try him at cornerback and put his coverage abilities to better use. When the Packers hired Barry, Savage was a name thrown around to specialize in his “Star” role. Despite never coming to fruition, Savage would probably do much better in the slot. While you’d hate to take your existing corners out of the lineup, the Packers tried Rasul Douglas at safety a few times. Alternatively, they could test Savage inside and keep him close to the line of scrimmage.
Marcus Whitman notes that this wouldn’t be the first time we’ve seen Green Bay’s coaching staff play a DB in the wrong position. Still, it’s fair to wonder if the defensive coaching staff would be willing to try something creative. Barry could experiment with moving his guys around to find the best alignment.
Or the Packers could give his snaps to Rudy Ford, who has done well in limited play. Or maybe they could try Micah Abernathy, who showed promise during the preseason. That wouldn’t help Savage’s confidence, especially if the move didn’t work, but the team needs to change something. Their constant approach of banging their heads against the wall isn’t working, and Savage has consistently been one of the worst defenders on this team.
It’s tough to give up on a first-round draft pick, especially for a draft-and-develop team like Green Bay. Plus, they chose to pay Savage for his services next season, even if they end up dropping him. If the Packers don’t want to make that a sunk cost, they need to consider changing Savage’s position. But they also can’t be afraid to eat that cost and replace his snaps if they want to be a winning football team. It stinks, but Savage isn’t playing well. It’s clear some sort of change needs to occur, and safety is probably the team’s top need in 2023.
