As the Green Bay Packers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers strive to secure playoff spots in a highly competitive season, recent reports suggest that the Buccaneers are eyeing Green Bay’s starting safety, Darnell Savage. Both teams are currently navigating the challenges of a must-win scenario in each remaining game to strengthen their playoff aspirations.
The Green Bay Packers, with a 6-6 record ahead of their Monday Night matchup against the New York Giants, are positioned as the seventh seed in the NFC if the season were to end today. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lead the NFC South with a 6-7 record, sharing a three-way tie with the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints. In this high-stakes environment, the Buccaneers are rumored to be targeting Darnell Savage, who is set to become a free agent in the offseason.
According to Bleacher Report, the expectation is that Savage, currently a starter for the Packers, might conclude his tenure in Green Bay and head to Tampa Bay. The potential move is prompted by the Buccaneers’ need for a free safety, especially if Antoine Winfield Jr., their current safety, decides to explore free agency. Savage is seen as a suitable candidate for this role, given his speed, ability to cover the field, and proficiency in defending against passes. With nine career interceptions and 31 passes defended over five years, Savage brings valuable skills to the position.
While acknowledging that Savage may not match Winfield’s caliber, the report suggests that he could be one of the front office’s best options to replace the Pro Bowler if needed. The speculation about Savage’s potential departure from Green Bay has been ongoing, with the safety becoming a subject of rumors even before the start of the current season. Despite a fifth-year option payout of $7.9 million in the 2022 offseason, Savage’s playing time has been limited in 2023, featuring in seven of the Packers’ 12 games so far.
As Savage’s future with the Packers remains uncertain, the team’s long-term plans for the safety position will likely play a pivotal role in determining whether they aim to retain him beyond this season. The upcoming offseason could bring significant changes, and Savage’s potential move to the Buccaneers adds an intriguing dimension to the evolving dynamics of NFL rosters.
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