The last time we heard from former Cleveland G.M. Phil Savage, he was criticizing the Browns’ “dismantling” of the roster as he left it. Savage was specifically unimpressed by Eric Mangini’s handling of quarterbacks Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson.
Now, Savage has been hired as a draft consultant for the Eagles. His official title is Player Personnel Consultant.
It sounds like the deal is for no longer than one year, and perhaps will expire before next regular season.
The move makes sense from the standpoint that Savage is a former scout and annually attends the Senior Bowl in Mobile. It’s Savage’s hometown. Savage was also a respected evaluator in Art Modell’s organization.
Savage, though, all but took a pass on the 2008 draft when he made moves to acquire Quinn, NT Shaun Rogers, and DE Corey Williams that left Cleveland with just five picks, and none in the first three rounds. Top draftee Beau Bell, the No. 104 pick that season, is out of the league.
The Browns went 4-12 in 2008, and Savage was fired that December.
It remains to be seen how much input Savage will have in Philadelphia, but he’ll obviously take a major backseat to head coach Andy Reid and G.M. Howie Roseman. The Eagles’ immediate thoughts after draft weekend may determine Savage’s future with the franchise beyond April.