Priority: Green Bay Packers reportedly prioritizing Xavier McKinney in NFL free agency, potential impact
The Green Bay Packers entered the NFL offseason determined to overhaul their defense after consecutive years of disappointment on that side of the ball. Following an overhaul to the defensive side of the Packers coaching staff, Green Bay could now be poised to make a big move in NFL free agency.
Of the Packers team needs in 2024, none is more glaring than the safety position. It’s a spot that has haunted this unit for years and for a draft-and-develop team, the lack of high-end talent at that position in the 2024 NFL Draft class meant free agency would likely be the best option to fix the problem.
Green Bay Packers defensive stats 2023: 5.4 yards per play allowed (21st in NFL), 94.7 QB rating allowed (25th in NFL), 7.3 yards per pass attempt allowed (20th in NFL), 128.3 rush ypg allowed (28th)
Fortunately for Green Bay and other teams in need at that spot, NFL free agency is loaded with proven safeties. Even after the Chicago Bears signed Kevin Byard, there are still Jeremy Chinn, Eddie Jackson, Quandre Diggs, Julian Blackmon, Geno Stone, Kamren Curl, Xavier McKinney and Justin Simmons available.
With the NFL’s legal tampering period open, allowing clubs to start negotiating with the top NFL free agents, it appears Green Bay has one primary target.
According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, McKinney is the Packers’ top target in free agency. New York Giants reporter Jordan Raanan, who has covered McKinney’s entire NFL career, also reported that Green Bay is heavily interested in the 24-year-old safety.
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Here’s everything you need to know about McKinney, how he would fit with the Packers’ defense and why Green Bay might have a slight edge to land him.
