Position has turned into a primary roster need
GREEN BAY – When the Green Bay Packers signed Adrian Amos and drafted Darnell Savage in the first round during the same offseason, general manager Brian Gutekunst bought himself three years of not needing to worry about the safety position.
The duo had been a model of consistency, if not always dominant playmaking, entering last season. Each had played at least 800 snaps every year of their partnership. Amos led the defense in snaps for three straight seasons, while Savage was third in snaps in 2020 and second in 2021. At an unforgiving position, constant availability brings peace of mind.
That doesn’t last for long in the NFL. While Amos led the Packers defense in snaps for the fourth straight season, and Savage again played more than 800 snaps, their erosion was evident. It adds an unfamiliar uncertainty for the Packers safety position this offseason, and perhaps ushers in a change for a position that has seen less makeover recently than any other.
The good: Adrian Amos proved to be worth the investment
Adrian Amos really should be lauded for his constant availability since signing a four-year, $36 million contract in 2019. The Packers have squeezed every ounce of value from the Chicago Bears former fifth-round pick. Amos has played 4,069 snaps since signing the contract. He was elected by teammates as a Packers captain for the second straight year in 2022. Amos narrowly missed crossing the 1,000-snap count for the fourth straight season, playing just 14 snaps Week 4 against the New England Patriots because of a concussion. He returned a week later, ensuring he would play every game in the past four years. It’s rare to find a player with Amos’ durability.
The bad: Struggles have plagued Darnell Savage the past two seasons
The Packers guaranteed Darnell Savage’s fifth year in his rookie contract, locking him into their defense for 2023. The problem is Savage has no distinguishable role on the field. After struggling in 2021, Savage’s play last season proved he is not an ideal safety. A college nickel back, Sav