Chicago Bears in Pursuit of Green Bay Packers Safety Darnell Savage
The Chicago Bears are on the lookout for safety help following the departure of long-time starter Eddie Jackson. As they explore their options in free agency, one name that stands out is Darnell Savage, a defensive back from rival team Green Bay Packers.
Savage, who was selected 21st overall in the 2019 NFL draft, will be a free agent in March. Lester Wiltfong Jr. of SB Nation’s Windy City Gridiron highlighted Savage as a potential target for the Bears. With 69 games started and nine interceptions under his belt, Savage brings experience and solid ball skills to the table. Despite missing seven games last year due to a calf injury, he has proven to be a reliable player who excels in both pass coverage and tackling.
While Savage may not be considered a superstar, his performance last season speaks for itself. According to Pro Football Focus, he ranked as the 15th-best safety out of 95 players in the league. With a track record of appearing in 72 out of 83 games throughout his NFL career, Savage has also shown durability.
However, the Bears face competition from other teams for top-tier safeties such as Budda Baker and Antoine Winfield Jr. These players would undoubtedly elevate the Bears’ secondary to elite levels. Yet, their salary demands may be too steep for Chicago, as they have other positions that require significant investment, including a defensive tackle, an additional edge-rusher, and a second wide receiver option.
With nearly $70 million in cap space, the Bears have some flexibility, but they must prioritize their spending wisely. Wiltfong points out that signing a top edge player would likely prevent them from allocating a large portion of their budget to a safety like Winfield, who is projected to command around $18.4 million per year.
As for Savage, he played the previous season under the Packers’ $7.9 million fifth-year option. Now, he awaits his opportunity to test the free-agent market and potentially find a new home with the Bears or another team.
Breaking News: Bears Release Star Safety Eddie Jackson
In a shocking move, the Chicago Bears have officially parted ways with safety Eddie Jackson. The announcement came on February 15, leaving fans and analysts alike stunned. Alongside Jackson, offensive lineman Cody Whitehair was also released, adding to the team’s dramatic offseason shakeup.
Jackson, a beloved figure in Chicago, leaves behind an impressive legacy. Over the course of his seven-year tenure with the Bears, he played in and started an impressive 100 games. His contributions on the field did not go unnoticed, as he earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2018 and received Pro Bowl nods in both 2018 and 2019.
The decision to release Jackson marks a significant turning point for the Bears’ defense. With his departure, the team will now rely on Jaquan Brisker to step up and fill the void. Brisker, a second-year player, has shown promise during his time on the field. With 30 games under his belt, he has recorded an impressive 209 tackles, 11 pass breakups, 5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 interceptions, according to Pro Football Reference.
The Bears’ front office has made it clear that they are committed to making bold moves this offseason. Jackson’s release is just the latest in a series of surprising decisions. As the team looks to rebuild and reshape their roster, fans can only speculate about what the future holds for the beloved franchise.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Chicago Bears and their offseason moves.
According to the Source heavy.com