Darnell Savage injured his hamstring during the Packers’ Family Night on Saturday. The Packers (and Savage) have already said they aren’t particularly concerned about the injury. According to Rob Demovsky of ESPN, Savage’s injury “checked out fine” and the Packers may only hold him out “for a bit,” suggesting there’s little worry about a long-term situation. However, the biggest concern with this type of injury is the lingering effects. Hamstrings are extremely difficult to get in front of and can linger for entire seasons sometimes. If this flares back up, it would be extremely beneficial to have a back-up plan. These are my top three to sign as an insurance policy:
Number Three Jeff Heath:
Jeff Heath, 30, has already played eight years in the NFL. All of which were with the Dallas Cowboys, up until 2020. He joined the Las Vegas Raiders and led the team with three interceptions that year. He’s spent most of his snaps lining up free safety (63.5%, per Pro Football Focus charting), though he also ranked fifth on the team in special teams snaps played (279).
Heath’s deal with the Raiders was for two years, $8 million. After a so-so season with the Raiders, Heath lasted only one season and attempted to latch on with the New Orleans Saints last year; but got released as well.
Number Two Tashaun Gipson:
Tashaun Gipson spent the last two seasons with the Chicago Bears. Gipson started all 12 games in which he appeared last season and allowed an opposing passer rating of just 76.0…. Gipson should be an option who fits into Green Bay’s budget. He played on a one-year, $2.6 million deal last season. He’s another candidate for a one-year deal and could help give Green Bay a little stability on the back end of its defense.
Number One Landon Collins:
In a recent article for Bleacher Report, NFL writer Ian Wharton listed Landon Collins as the second-best NFL free agent under 30 left on the market. He listed the Green Bay Packers as one of the three best fits for Collins, along with the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Of Collins, Wharton wrote:
“Collins is at his best as a downhill safety who operates more like a linebacker. He’s not good in man coverage, but as the NFL has embraced three-safety looks more, Collins has enjoyed a resurgence in potential value over the last two years. There aren’t many roster openings left, so he may need to be a super-sub-package weapon.”
Last season, Collins had 81 tackles, two interceptions, and a forced fumble while playing in 13 games for the Washington Commanders.
For more Wisconsin Sports News:
Follow me on Twitter at @mcquadewarnold and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here! Also, check out our merch store for some amazing WSH merchandise!
