The NFL free agency negotiation frenzy began on Monday with deals set to become official on Wednesday, the start of the new league year, but it didn’t take long for one Terp to find a new home.
Darnell Savage is signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars on a three-year, $21 million deal with $12.5 million in guarantees, according to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero.
Savage now leaves Green Bay after five seasons after the Packers selected the former Maryland defensive back with the 22nd overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Savage was a mainstay within the Packers’ secondary after becoming an immediate starter as a rookie, ultimately being named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team. Savage ended his tenure in Green Bay with 283 total tackles, 32 pass deflections, nine interceptions and one touchdown. The Packers picked up Savage’s fifth-year option, but his 2023 season was derailed by injury after suffering a calf injury in the October loss vs. Denver, missing five games before being activated from IR in December.
While he leaves Green Bay as former Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley takes over the defense, Savage was part of a busy day for Jacksonville as they also added CB Ronald Darby, a Potomac High School alum, WRs Devin Duvernay and Gabe Davis among others.
Savage became the second consecutive first-round pick out of Maryland after DJ Moore went 24th overall to the Carolina Panthers in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Savage signed with Maryland as a former three-star recruit in the 2015 class and similar to his NFL journey, it didn’t take long for him to become an immediate impact in College Park. After making his first career start in the season finale during his freshman season, Savage went on to start the next 36 games at safety where he ended his career as a second team All-Big Ten selection.
Meanwhile, more Terps will look to find new homes with DL Quinton Jefferson, DE Yannick Ngakoue and RB Ty Johnson among those still available.
Related Links
Maryland football film breakdown: OT Alan Herron
New Maryland LB pledge Carlton “CJ” Smith breaks down his decision (+)
Virginia LB Carlton “CJ” Smith becomes the fourth commitment in Maryland’s 2025 class