The Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles are both reported to be “very interested” in free agent safety Xavier McKinney, according to Connor Hughes of SNY TV in New York.
Per Hughes, the Packers did “a lot of homework” on McKinney during the 2023 season in preparation for free agency.
Green Bay is in desperate need for an upgrade at safety, a position where Darnell Savage, Rudy Ford and Jonathan Owens are all free agents this offseason.
McKinney, a 2020 second-round pick who produced an excellent season for the New York Giants in 2023, is considered by most to be one of the one or two top safeties available in the free agent class. With an ability to play free safety and in the box, McKinney would appear to be an ideal fit in Jeff Hafley’s new Packers defense.
Over 17 games last season, McKinney produced three interceptions, 11 pass breakups, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and 116 total tackles. He was the No. 4 overall graded safety at Pro Football Focus.
PFF projects McKinney will command a deal worth $13.5 million per year. Will the Packers be willing to outspend other contenders — like the Eagles — to land the top safety on the free agent board?
