Edge rusher Rashan Gary and safety Darnell Savage will both have their fifth-year options picked up by the Green Bay Packers.
According to Rob Demovsky of ESPN, the Packers are expected to pick up Savage’s option, keeping him under contract in Green Bay through the 2023 season.
Savage, who turns 25 years old in July, was the 21st overall pick in the 2019 draft. He’s started 46 games and produced eight interceptions, 26 pass breakups and six tackles for losses over the last three seasons in Green Bay. An emerging elite player to finish the 2020 season, Savage wasn’t as consistent or disruptive during his first season in Joe Barry’s defense in 2021, but the Packers are banking on him ascending again in 2022.
All first-round picks receive fully guaranteed four-year contracts with fifth-year options. Teams must decide on the fifth year between the player’s third and fourth seasons.
The fifth-year option will be worth $7.9 million for Savage in 2023. With the Raiders declining Jonathan Abram’s option, Savage will be the only safety (and defensive back) from the 2019 first-round draft class to have his fifth-year option picked up.
Last month, safeties coach Ryan Downard called Savage a “special talent” who could become one of the best defensive backs in football.
The Packers have picked up three straight fifth-year options, with Gary and Savage joining Jaire Alexander (2018 first-round pick). The team will have to make a similar decision on quarterback Jordan Love at this time next year.
