The Detroit Lions are dealing with significant injuries to their safety rotation. Their starting safety duo, Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch, began training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Neither player has technically been ruled out for Week 1, but their availability is in serious jeopardy.
Branch tore his Achilles last December, and he is expected to get back on the field in late August or early September. Joseph has been dealing with a nagging knee injury that forced him to miss most of last season. He has been working hard to get back, but how much he is going to be able to contribute this season is a big question mark.
The Lions feel good about their safety room despite missing their two starters. They have every right to do so. Christian Izien and Chuck Clark have enough experience and talent to hold it down early in the season. Avonte Maddox and Thomas Harper can be competent backups.
However, the Lions could use more proven depth, at least during the training camp. Fortunately, there is a capable veteran who has been a familiar foe for the Lions for a long time and who just hit the open market.
Steelers release S Darnell Savage, making him an intriguing target for the Lions
On Sunday, the Steelers released veteran safety Darnell Savage to make room for Rayshawn Jenkins. The former Packers starter will now try to find a new NFL home before the season. It would be wise for the Lions to at least bring him in for competition.
Things haven't gone according to plan for Savage ever since he left Green Bay in the 2024 offseason. He had signed a three-year deal with the Jaguars, but was released only two games into his second season in Jacksonville. He then spent the rest of last season between the Commanders and the Bills.
Savage was playing well in Washington, but when it became clear that the Commanders weren't making the playoffs, he was released per his request. He was then claimed off waivers by Buffalo, but couldn't become an important part of the rotation down the stretch. He played three defensive snaps in the Bills' playoff loss to the Broncos.
The last two seasons for the former first-round pick were disappointing, to be sure, but Savage just turned 29 in July. He has a ton of experience. He started 69 regular-season games and seven playoff games for the Packers. He can also help give the Lions a small edge over their rivals in their matchups during the season.
Ideally, Joseph and Branch both make significant progress over the next few weeks, and the Lions don't need to add Savage or another veteran backup. However, Detroit has to be prepared for every possibility, and that includes a worst-case scenario where Joseph and Branch miss significant time early in the season. Then, having someone like Savage to bolster the depth and quality of the safety rotation should be helpful.
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