The Green Bay Packers took a proactive approach to improving their roster this offseason. They made several significant moves during free agency, highlighted by the acquisition of safety Xavier McKinney.
Xavier McKinney, a second-round draft pick by the New York Giants in 2020, capitalized on his free-agent status this offseason. The Packers, who have struggled at the safety position in recent years, aim to address this weakness with McKinney’s addition, hoping to enhance their defensive performance.
David Kenyon of Bleacher Report considers the signing of Xavier McKinney as one of the top moves of the 2024 NFL offseason, placing it at No. 13 on his top 25 list.
Kenyon noted, “While a potential-filled, young offense aims to develop around Jordan Love, the Packers rebuilt the back end of the defense. They embraced a youth movement at safety that is focused on Xavier McKinney, who racked up 116 tackles last season and turns 26 in August. His four-year contract has a pricey $67 million sticker, yet only $23 million is guaranteed.
Xavier McKinney was one of four players the Green Bay Packers brought in to strengthen the safety position this offseason. Alongside McKinney, the Packers selected Javon Bullard, Evan Williams, and Kitan Oladapo during the 2024 NFL Draft.
This quartet will join Anthony Johnson Jr., a seventh-round pick from the 2023 NFL Draft, who might be the only returning safety from last season’s team. Despite his relatively young age, McKinney is the most experienced among them, serving as a crucial mentor for the younger players as they transition to professional football.
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