ss Just one day after asking to be released, former Packers 2019 first-round pick makes a heartfelt plea to return — claiming leaving Green Bay was ‘the hardest period of my life.’
Green Bay, Wisconsin – December 7, 2025
Just one day after the Washington Commanders granted his request for release, Darnell Savage — the former first-round pick of the Green Bay Packers in 2019 — stunned the NFL by publicly expressing his desire to return to the team that once viewed him as a defensive cornerstone. After two disappointing stops in Jacksonville and Washington, Savage now admits he has never felt the same stability he had while wearing green and gold at Lambeau Field.
Savage’s journey since leaving the Packers in 2023 has been turbulent. His short-lived stint with the Jaguars ended in frustration, and his limited role with the Commanders only made his career feel even more adrift. With the Packers currently rising fast on a three-game winning streak, Savage’s arrival on the free-agent market sparked immediate speculation about a potential reunion. And now, Savage himself isn’t hiding how he truly feels.
In a brief interview after becoming a free agent, Savage spoke emotionally about his time away from Green Bay. “The time after leaving the Packers was the hardest period of my life. In Green Bay, I always felt trust and a clear purpose. If I had the chance to go back, I’d take it immediately. I never saw the Packers as something in the past — to me, it has always been home.” His words spread rapidly across social media.
Even with Savage’s desire generating buzz, the likelihood of the Packers re-signing him remains uncertain. Green Bay’s secondary is functioning smoothly with Xavier McKinney and Evan Williams, while Zayne Anderson and Kitan Oladapo continue to contribute. Savage could provide valuable veteran depth, but the Packers have valid reasons to be cautious — especially since he still wants meaningful snaps rather than a reserve role.
But in the NFL, where reunions often create the most emotional storylines, Savage’s message opens the door to an unexpected possibility. As the Packers gear up for a fierce playoff push, the return of a familiar face who once stood as a key defensive piece could bring unique intangible value. Whatever the outcome, Savage’s words serve as a reminder: for many players, Green Bay is not just a workplace — it is family.
