The Buffalo Bills (likely) have a new defensive back addition… finally.
The Bills have claimed safety Darnell Savage off of waivers from the Washington Commanders this week.
Savage, 28, was released on Thursday. Because of his late-week addition after that, he’ll need time to get up to speed in Buffalo. However, he’s a known NFL commodity, so fans will want to get to know him more.
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Here are six things to knew about the new Bills defensive back:
Former first-round pick
Green Bay Packers safety Darnell Savage (26) returns an interception for a touchdown during the second quarter of the wild card playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, January 14, 2024 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Like them all, first-round picks from around the NFL are known more than others. Savage falls in this category.
Not only that, in 2019, the Green Bay Packers traded up for him at No. 21 overall to select him out of Maryland.
Underachieved
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) gets past a tackle attempt by Green Bay Packers safety Darnell Savage (26) during their football game Thursday, September 28, 2023, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin.
While a former top pick, Savage has fallen off in the NFL.
The Packers had shown faith in him by picking up the fifth-year option on his rookie contract for the 2023 season. Savage then signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars ahead of 2024, but after the team changed to a new front office ahead of this year, Savage was quickly moved on from.
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After just two games in 2025, the Jaguars released him. Savage landed with the Commanders but went on to do the same. Savage has not started a game since his first year in Jacksonville in 2024.
Modeling his game
Arizona Cardinals Patrick Peterson laughs after a flag was thrown on him against the Seattle Seahawks in the second half at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
After signing with the Jaguars, Savage dished some details about himself to the team’s website. In terms of football, a few NFL safeties were a topic of discussion.
Savage said he models his game after longtime Cardinals defensive back Patrick Peterson. In terms of a safety “Mount Rushmore,” Savage placed Ed Reed, Sean Taylor, Troy Polamalu and Kam Chancellor there.
Sean McDermott trigger word
Jan 5, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars safety Darnell Savage (6) tackles Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
In most positions, the Bills and head coach Sean McDermott love players to have one specific trait: Versatility. After signing with the Jaguars, Savage specifically used that word to describe his game. This is likely part of the reason why Buffalo claimed him.
“My versatility. I can do a lot of different things,” Savage told Jacksonville.com. “I’ve been playing safety these past few years, but I really truly believe I can move around and just do anything on the defensive side of the ball.”
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Big playoff play
While a tough past few years, Savage does have important experience the Bills will like. He is postseason tested if needed and even had a huge play in his playoff past: A pick-six touchdown in a win over the Dallas Cowboys;
Fit with Bills
Oct 27, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) makes a reception for a touchdown defended by Washington Commanders safety Darnell Savage (25) during the third quarter of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Savage wasn’t starting but had been on the field for the Commanders in eight games this season. Savage had 15 tackles. His deeper stats weren’t great though, as he was credit with allowing 11 catches for 104 yards with three missed tackles.
Pro Football Focus only graded Savage a below average 51.5 overall in 2025.
All that aside, in Buffalo, his veteran experience will be appreciated because he’ll factor in as a backup option.
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This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: 6 things to know about new Bills safety Darnell Savage