Logo

Packers Sign Former Jaguars First-Round Pick to Their Practice Squad, per Source

Green Bay, Wis. — Sept. 19, 2025. The Green Bay Packers are signing veteran safety Darnell Savage to their practice squad pending a physical, according to a league source with direct knowledge of the agreement. The move has not appeared on the NFL’s daily transaction wire, and the club has not announced it publicly. The source requested anonymity because the deal is not yet official.

A 2019 first-round pick, Savage spent five seasons in Green Bay before departing in 2024. He opened last season with Jacksonville and logged starter snaps in the secondary and on special teams before his release earlier this week. A return to Green Bay offers scheme familiarity and a short onboarding curve inside a safety room that has been reshaped over the past two seasons.

"THE JAGUARS GAVE UP ON ME, BUT THE CHIEFS SAW MY VALUE RIGHT AWAY — GREEN BAY WILL ALWAYS FEEL LIKE HOME AND THE GREEN AND GOLD WILL ALWAYS MEAN SOMETHING TO ME, BUT TODAY I’M HERE TO WEAR THE RED AND GOLD, EARN TRUST IN THIS LOCKER ROOM, AND HELP THIS TEAM WIN — EVEN IF IT STARTS ON THE PRACTICE SQUAD." Savage said in a brief statement.

For the Packers, a practice-squad agreement provides cost-controlled depth and flexibility. Under standard rules, a veteran on the practice squad can be elevated to the active roster for game day without immediately requiring a full 53-man contract, giving Green Bay a week-to-week option as injuries and matchups evolve. If Savage shows well in practice, a promotion to the 53 is a straightforward next step; if not, the team maintains roster and cap agility.

Savage is expected to complete his physical and finalize paperwork in the coming days. Any corresponding roster move to create a practice-squad slot would be announced once the transaction is official.

Ex Green Bay 5× Pro Bowl running back agrees to pay cut to return and help team overcome injury crisis
Green Bay   For the second straight week, the Green Bay Packers faltered, settling for a dramatic 40-40 tie against the Dallas Cowboys in a Sunday Night Football thriller. Defensive lapses and special teams miscues kept Dallas in the game, but the glaring issue lies with the battered offensive line, prompting fans to clamor for a familiar face.   With guard Aaron Banks (groin) and right tackle Zach Tom (oblique) sidelined, the Packers’ line struggled. Banks, signed to a four-year, $77 million deal from the 49ers, and Tom, locked in with a four-year, $88 million extension, missed the game, leaving rookie Jordan Morgan exposed with penalties and poor run support.   Fans and media are now pleading for the return of five-time All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari. On X, Nathan Wade asked The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman, “Any chance we could bring Bakhtiari in for a workout? He has to be better than Jordan Morgan.” Schneidman replied, “Let’s ask David Bakhtiari,” hinting at the idea’s appeal.   Bakhtiari, sidelined since 2023 due to injuries, praised Packers’ wideout Romeo Doubs’ three-touchdown performance: “Romeo Doubs’ success is the fact that he is a Pros Pro. Very detailed and reliable… I’m a big fan of Rome’s game and character.” While not confirming a comeback, his words suggest he’s still tuned into Green Bay.   The makeshift line, with Darian Kinnard outperforming rookie Anthony Belton, underscored the need for veteran stability. Bakhtiari’s injury history makes a return unlikely, but his presence could bolster pass protection for Jordan Love as the 2-1-1 Packers enter their bye week.   Packers Nation is buzzing with hope that Bakhtiari could answer the call. With a tough schedule ahead, can the former star return to fortify Green Bay’s line, or will the team lean on its young talent to rebound?