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

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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.

Pittsburgh Steelers Reach Agreement with Safety Shilo Sanders, Pending Medical Evaluation Amid Personal Drama, per source
The Pittsburgh Steelers are adding intrigue to their practice squad plans, reaching an agreement with safety Shilo Sanders. The deal remains subject to a medical evaluation before it can be made official, leaving his status uncertain. Sanders, son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, brings both pedigree and baggage. Known for his ball-hawking instincts, he also carries a reputation for injuries and personal drama that have followed him throughout his career. Undrafted in 2025, Sanders signed with Tampa Bay and appeared in three preseason games. His stint ended abruptly after an ejection against Buffalo for unnecessary roughness, prompting the Buccaneers to waive him on August 24. Despite the setback, Pittsburgh sees potential value. Sanders collected 161 tackles, 11 interceptions, and six forced fumbles across 41 college games, with his 2023 season at Colorado highlighting his ability to create turnovers and lead a defense. The Steelers’ secondary has dealt with depth concerns, and Sanders’ versatility offers a possible solution. He can rotate at safety, provide nickel coverage, and contribute on special teams — all traits valued in Pittsburgh’s defensive culture. However, health remains the deciding factor. Sanders suffered an ACL tear in 2022 and missed time again in 2024 due to nagging injuries. Team doctors will determine whether his body can withstand NFL competition. Layered over the medical risk is the personal drama surrounding Sanders. Legal battles, financial trouble, and family headlines have raised questions about his focus, but the Steelers have a history of managing strong personalities. For Sanders, joining Pittsburgh would represent another opportunity to reset his NFL path. If he clears medical evaluation, he could find a stable environment to prove he belongs in the league despite the noise around him.