The Green Bay Packers’ defense failed to live up to expectations during the 2022 season. A big reason for their lack of overall success was the struggles of their safeties. One of the main culprits was Darnell Savage Jr.
Savage was a first-round pick out of Maryland in the 2019 NFL Draft and had a very strong start to his career. He was an All-Rookie selection in Year 1 and proved to be an excellent playmaker as the last line of defense for the Packers.
He recorded a career-high four interceptions and 12 passes defended in Year 2, which he followed up with two more interceptions and nine passes defended in Year 3. Looking like an ascending player and key part of the team’s defense long-term is what makes his 2022 performance that much more head-scratching.
Savage had the worst season of his career in 2022. Things got so bad that he was actually benched at one point in November before working his way back into the lineup for the end of the season. It is something that he is ready to put behind him, turning all of his focus onto 2023.
“I’m excited. I’m ready to go – like, right now,” Savage said following a recent OTA practice. “Anxious. Had a long offseason to kind of think about last year, had this kind of bad taste in my mouth for the longest time, so I’m ready to get it out.”
There have been a lot of discussions this offseason about how to deploy Savage in the defensive lineup. Should he play more of a slot cornerback in nickel situations? Or should he remain as the deep option as the last line of defense? Maybe playing closer to the line of scrimmage as a run-stopper is what he is best suited for?
That is something that the Packers’ coaches will have to figure out but isn’t what they are keenly focused on. Instead, they want Savage to play with the aggressiveness that led to him being a first-round pick four years ago.
“I think Darnell’s best when he pulls the trigger and he lets it all hang out,” defensive backs coach Ryan Downard said. “He’s got to trust himself.”
That trust and confidence in himself seems to be coming back. Savage looked more like his old self during OTAs in June. Despite the benching last season, the overall confidence in him never wavered. That is something that has helped him refocus and try to get back on track this offseason.
“It meant a lot,” he said. “I know who I am and I think they know who I am, too. Like I said, it’s just a matter of opportunity and going to get it. I’m excited about the vibe and the direction everything’s going right now as far as everybody’s attitude. It’s refreshing.”
2023 is a make-or-break season for the Savage. If he plays well, he will set himself up for a nice payday during the 2024 offseason, potentially with the Packers. Should he struggle again, a one-year prove-it deal may be all that he receives.
