DONE DEAL: The Green Bay Packers Finalize Agreement with High-Caliber Free Agent

It sounds like Green Bay Packers fans have a lot to be excited about with the arrival of new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. His first press conference seems to have made quite an impression, especially considering his emphasis on a particular position that aligns with a potential free agent target.

Given Hafley’s focus on this position and the speculation surrounding the Packers’ interest in a specific free agent, it seems like there could be a strong possibility of the team making a move to sign this elite player. While the exact identity of the free agent isn’t specified, the combination of Hafley’s comments and the team’s rumored interest suggests that Packers fans may have reason to anticipate a significant addition to their defense in the near future.

What does Jeff Hafley want in a post safety?

“I want a guy who can erase things.”

Wants his player to eliminate explosive plays, get guys down, go “sideline to sideline and take the ball away”, communicate and play man.

Zach Kruse of The Packers Wire made an immediate comparison:

Jeff Hafley just described his perfect “post safety” and it sounded a lot like Xavier McKinney

The ESPN staff writer Matt Bowen already had an intriguing option for Green Bay. Green Bay is a perfect fit for New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney, according to his article on the perfect landing spots for free agents:

“This might be a stretch given the Packers’ history in free agency, but McKinney can play both safety spots, with the ability to cover down and create range in the post.

He had three interceptions last season with the Giants, and I see him as a good fit for a Packers defense that will change its coverage and pressure tendencies under defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley.”

When targeted, Mckinney allowed a 53.0 passer rating and 8.7 yards per reception this past season. According to PFF, McKinney has made 94 solo tackles, forced a fumble, and intercepted three passes in 2023.

The McKinney is an extremely versatile secondary piece. There were 464 snaps he played as a free safety, 388 snaps in the box, 167 snaps in the slot, 82 close to the line of scrimmage, and 27 snaps as an outside corner last season.

Given Hafley’s press conference and the already existing need at safety, I would be surprised if Mckinney wasn’t one of the players the Packers have their eye on this off-season.