10 realistic free agents the Jacksonville Jaguars can sign (and afford) in 2024

9. Darnell Savage Jr., safety

Safety isn't a pressing need for the Jacksonville Jaguars this offseason but that doesn't mean they won't make any changes to the position. They have a rising star in Andre Cisco but there's a chance veteran Rayshawn Jenkins won't play out the last year of the contract he signed in 2022. Jenkins is set to have a cap hit of $12.5 million but releasing him would free up $5.4 million in space.

Given that the front office must fill a handful of holes in free agency, they'll release Jenkins to get a bit of room to breathe. If he leaves, the Jags could move Antonio Johnson back to safety, his natural position. Johnson, a fifth-round pick in last year's draft, had to put off his NFL debut because of a hamstring injury, but once he was healthy, he took over slot duty, displacing veteran Tre Herndon.

Although Johnson thrived at nickel, it makes sense for the coaching staff to see what he can do at safety. But if he remains in the slot, the Jags could then pursue Darnell Savage in free agency. Savage was a first-round pick by the Green Bay Packers in 2019. He's appeared in 72 games with 69 starts, registering nine interceptions and 32 passes defensed over the last five years.

Defending the run isn't Savage's strongest suit but excels in coverage. If the Jaguars can do a good job of rushing the pass with only four defenders, there won't be a need to bring Savage to the box, and he could remain in the backfield where he's better suited.

Pro Football Focus projects the former Maryland Terrapin to get a two-year deal worth $10 million. At $5 million per year, he would be an ideal (and affordable) replacement for Jenkins in case he leaves.