ESPN insider predicts Darnell Savage's future with Packers in free agency

Darnell Savage is one of three Green Bay Packers safeties set to hit free agency this offseason.

The former first-round pick is coming off a frustrating year. While Savage did dominate in the wild-card win over the Dallas Cowboys, making a crucial pick-six, he struggled for much of the season.

According to Pro Football Reference, Savage allowed a career-worst 78.3 completion percentage in his coverage. He missed 13.6 percent of tackles, the second-worst number of his career, while quarterbacks earned a 106.9 rating throwing his way.

Savage was at fault for two of the San Francisco 49ers' touchdowns in the divisional round. George Kittle beat him in coverage on a 32-yard touchdown catch, and Savage missed a tackle on Christian McCaffrey's 39-yard score.

What's next for the Packers' former first-round pick?

NFL insider predicts Packers exit for free agent Darnell Savage

Three Packers safeties have expiring contracts. Along with Savage, Jonathan Owens and Rudy Ford also face uncertain futures. ESPN's Dan Graziano believes the Packers could move on from Savage this offseason.

"The Packers added void years to Savage's deal to help them with this year's cap, so they have about $5.5 million in dead money already on the books for him in 2024. They could opt to move on unless he wants to re-sign on the cheap as a depth player in the secondary," writes Graziano.

ESPN's Aaron Schatz took it a step further, predicting the Packers will let Savage walk, "replacing him with another veteran free agent safety such as Jordan Whitehead or C.J. Gardner-Johnson."

And it wouldn't be surprising. Packers GM Brian Gutekunst is more than happy to hit the reset button at areas they need to upgrade. He moved on from wide receivers Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb, as well as tight ends Marcedes Lewis and Robert Tonyan, last offseason, rebuilding the receiving corps via the draft.

Safety is a position the Packers must improve this offseason, either through free agency, the draft, or a combination of the two.

And that could mean moving on from Savage in free agency.

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