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Eagles Sign Ex-Packers Star to Active Roster - Place Rookie OL Cameron Williams on IR to Make Room

PHILADELPHIA – September 17, 2025
The Philadelphia Eagles wasted little time filling their open roster spot after placing rookie offensive lineman Cameron Williams on injured reserve with a shoulder injury over the weekend. On Monday, the team officially announced the signing of former Green Bay Packers safety Darnell Savage, bringing veteran depth and versatility to their secondary.

Savage, 28, was a first-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft (No. 21 overall) and spent five seasons in Green Bay before a brief stint with Jacksonville this offseason. Known for his speed and range, he appeared in 69 games with the Packers, recording eight interceptions, 31 passes defended, and more than 300 tackles.

The move comes at a critical time for Philadelphia. With Williams’ injury creating a vacancy on the 53-man roster, the Eagles’ front office acted quickly to address another area of need — secondary depth. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has leaned heavily on rookie Cooper DeJean in the slot, but struggles against top receivers have sparked conversations about shifting roles. Savage, who has experience both at free safety and in hybrid nickel packages, could provide much-needed flexibility.

Philadelphia has already shown a willingness to deal with Jaguars general manager James Gladstone this month, trading for offensive lineman Fred Johnson and running back/returner Tank Bigsby. While Savage was released outright, his addition completes an unexpected trifecta of roster connections between the two teams.

“Adding a player with his pedigree gives us options,” an Eagles team source said. “He’s been a starter in this league, he knows what it takes, and he’ll compete right away.”

For Savage, the opportunity represents both a fresh start and a return to familiar territory in the NFC. For the Eagles, it’s another calculated move to fortify a roster chasing back-to-back deep playoff runs.

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Vikings Rookie Cut Before Season Retires to Join Military Service
The NFL is often described as the pinnacle of athletic dreams, but for one Minnesota rookie, the path to greatness has taken a turn away from the gridiron and toward a higher calling. After signing as an undrafted free agent in May, the young cornerback fought through training camp and preseason battles, hoping to carve out a roster spot on a Vikings team searching for secondary depth and identity. That player is Zemaiah Vaughn, a standout from the University of Utah who built his name as a long, competitive boundary corner with special-teams upside. Waived in late August, Vaughn stunned teammates and fans by announcing his retirement from professional football and his decision to enlist in the U.S. military, trading a Vikings jersey for a soldier’s uniform. “I lived my NFL dream in Minnesota, but being cut before the season opened another path,” Vaughn said in a statement. “This isn’t the end — it’s a higher calling. Now, I choose to serve my country with the same heart I gave the Vikings.” At 6’3” and 187 pounds, Vaughn brought elite length for a boundary role and made his mark with poise, vision, and leadership. His preseason PFF grade of 65 reflected consistency, though the roster competition proved overwhelming. For the Vikings, the move closes the chapter on a developmental project. For Vaughn, it begins a profound new journey that echoes his reputation as a “hidden gem” — a player who always found ways to rise above. Fans in Minnesota and across the college football community saluted the decision on social media, calling it “the ultimate sacrifice” and “proof that heart is bigger than the game.” Vaughn leaves the NFL, but his next mission may prove even greater.