Xavier McKinney Named Green Bay Packers X-Factor

The Green Bay Packers are a team on the rise. Looking to build upon their success in 2023, general manager Brian Gutekunst was aggressive in the offseason upgrading weaknesses. One of those weaknesses was the safety position, which was filled by Xavier McKinney.

McKinney signed a massive four-year, $68 million deal in free agency, making him one of the highest-paid players at his position in the NFL. It was a contract the 2020 second-round pick of the New York Giants earned.

He was the Green Bay Packers’ biggest acquisition this offseason, as safety has been a need for years. His versatility at the back end makes him an ideal fit for the scheme that new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley will be installing this season.

After a few seasons of underwhelming production, there is hope the Green Bay Packers will turn things around defensively. Xavier McKinney will be a major part of that, which is why he has been named the team’s X-Factor by Jim Wyman and Dalton Wasserman of PFF.

“Green Bay’s biggest free-agent acquisition was safety Xavier McKinney. The former Giant led all safeties with a 91.2 coverage grade last season. His prowess in a single-high alignment is an ideal match for Jeff Hafley’s defense. McKinney’s presence should improve a secondary that has struggled to cover the middle of the field.”

Xavier McKinney’s elite coverage skills will help the Green Bay Packers immensely. They can use him to help out in the slot, but he also lined up for snaps on the perimeter last season with the Giants.

Whether it is as a free safety as the last line of defense or a strong safety playing closer to the line of scrimmage in run support, Xavier McKinney can get the job done. His presence will make life easier for everyone in the secondary as he is capable of covering up any deficiencies his teammates may have.

When combined with cornerback Jaire Alexander, there may not be a better secondary tandem in the league. Neither have yet to hit their primes and bring elite traits to a Green Bay Packers defense primed to take a step forward in 2024.

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