The goal for the Green Bay Packers going into the 2024 season is to elevate their team from playoff contenders to champions. Something that, only two seasons after trading in legendary quarterback Aaron Rodgers, many fans did not expect.
According to reports that have surfaced today, one player could help the Packers achieve just that.
ESPN staff writer Matt Bowen has a compelling choice for Green Bay. Green Bay is a great fit for New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney, per his article on the best places for free agents to land:
Given the Packers’ track record in free agency, this may be a stretch, but McKinney can play both safety positions and has the ability to create space in the post and cover downfield.
With Jeff Hafley as defensive coordinator, the Packers defense will alter its coverage and pressure tactics, and he had three interceptions in the previous campaign with the Giants.
In the 2020 draft, the Packers had the option of selecting Xavier McKinney; however, Brian Gutekunst traded up to select quarterback Jordan Love. The New York Giants chose McKinney with the 36th overall pick at the start of the second round.
In Wendell Ferreria’s words:
When targeted, he gave up a passer rating of 53.0 and 8.7 yards per reception. According to PFF, McKinney will have three interceptions, 94 solo tackles, and one forced fumble in 2023.
McKinney is an adaptable supporting role. During the previous season, he was used as a free safety 464 times, a box player 388 times, a slot player 167 times, a lineman 82 times, and an outside corner 27 times.
According to A to Z Sports, McKinney is ranked 30th out of 105 free agents. The Packers should be able to afford his contract projection, which has a reasonable $6.5 million projected cap hit in year 1.
The Packers will prioritize safety during this off-season. McKinney would have been a perfect fit for the Packers’ unofficial “youth movement” during the previous two off-seasons, given his age of just 24.
Dec. 11, 2023, East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA: Xavier McKinney, a 29-year-old safety for the New York Giants, reacts prior to the Green Bay Packers game at MetLife Stadium. * Required Credit: USA TODAY Sports/Vincent Carchietta
