Jaguars release veteran safety Darnell Savage, who played sparingly in two games

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The Jacksonville Jaguars released safety Darnell Savage on Tuesday, dumping a veteran who 13 started games in 2024.

The move will cost the Jaguars more than $4 million in dead money this year. A five-year starter for Green Bay, Savage signed a three-year, $21.75 million contract with Jacksonville in free agency last year. The deal included $12.5 million fully guaranteed.

But Savage failed to beat out Andrew Wingard for a starting spot in training camp and played sparingly in the team's first two games. He saw action on 48 defensive snaps and notched one tackle while getting paid $2.25 million for the season and counting $4.7 million against the cap.

Because he doesn't play special teams, the Jaguars must have believed they could find better roster value elsewhere.

Savage is the latest acquisition from Jacksonville's previous regime to get the boot, joining receivers Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis, tight end Evan Engram, center Luke Fortner, running back Tank Bigsby and defensive tackles Tyler Lacy and Jordan Jefferson.

Without Savage, the Jaguars have four safeties on their roster: starters Wingard and Eric Murray as well as backups Antonio Johnson and rookie Rayuan Lane. Third-round draft pick Caleb Ransaw (foot) is on season-ending injured reserve.

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