Green Bay Packers skyrocket as favorites to sign elite starter

The Green Bay Packers will enter the 2024 season with the goal of elevating their roster from playoff to championship caliber. Something many supporters did not expect just two seasons after dealing renowned quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Today, reports circulated that one player could accomplish exactly that for the Packers.

Matt Bowen, an ESPN staff writer, suggests an intriguing possibility for Green Bay. According to his piece on the best landing locations for free agents, Green Bay is an excellent fit for New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney.

“This may be a stretch given the Packers’ past in free agency, but McKinney can play both safety positions, covering down and creating range in the post.

He had three interceptions for the Giants last season, and I view him as a strong fit for the Packers’ defense, which will adjust its coverage and pressure tendencies under defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley.

The Packers could have chosen Xavier McKinney in the 2020 draft, but Brian Gutekunst traded up to take quarterback Jordan Love instead. The New York Giants selected McKinney with the 36th overall choice in the second round.

According to Wendell Ferreria:

When targeted, he allowed a passer rating of 53.0 and an average of 8.7 yards per reception. According to Pro Football Focus, McKinney has 94 solo tackles, one forced fumble, and three interceptions in 2023.

McKinney is a versatile secondary piece. Last season, he played 464 snaps as a free safety, 388 in the box, 167 in the slot, 82 near the line of scrimmage, and 27 as an outside corner.

McKinney ranks 30th among A to Z Sports’ top 105 free agents. His deal prediction is acceptable for the Packers, with a projected cap hit of $6.5 million in year one.

Safety will be a key position for the Packers this offseason. McKinney, who is only 24, would be an ideal match for the Packers’ unofficial “youth movement” of the last two offseasons.