The Green Bay Packers have been one of the most aggressive teams in the NFL in the first hours of the legal tampering period. They made a major change to their offense, signing star running back Josh Jacobs away from the Las Vegas Raiders.
There was a need in the Green Bay backfield with AJ Dillon hitting free agency and they went near the top of the board for Jacobs. However, he will be their unquestioned featured back as the team is moving on from Aaron Jones, who is being released.
Jacobs isn’t the only major addition that the team is making. In need of an upgrade in their secondary, the Packers made a huge splash by agreeing to a deal with former New York Giants safety, Xavier McKinney.
NFL News & Rumors: Xavier McKinney, 2024 NFL Free Agency, New York Giants, Green Bay Packers, Updates
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Packers are expected to sign McKinney to a four-year, $68 million deal. The news came via Athletes First’s David Mulugheta, McKinney’s representation.
This is a huge addition to a Packers defense that is going to look a little different in 2024. Not only is defensive coordinator Joe Barry gone, but the team has already started changing some of its personnel, with linebacker De’Vondre Campbell being released.
The safety position has been a major hole for the Packers in recent seasons. Three of their top four safeties from 2023 hit the free agent market and Darnell Savage already agreed to a three-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
McKinney is a huge upgrade for the team. He provides a ton of versatility, as he is capable of playing in the box or deep safety. McKinney is as good as it gets in coverage at the safety position and can play in the slot as well.
NFL News & Rumors: Xavier McKinney, 2024 NFL Free Agency, New York Giants, Green Bay Packers, Updates
Under Wink Martindale, McKinney lined up all over the field as he registered snaps as an edge rusher and perimeter cornerback. The most important thing that he brings to the table is availability.
McKinney played every defensive snap of every game for the Giants last season. For a Packers team that suffered so many injuries to key players at key spots last season, it will be a welcome change knowing they can pencil McKinney into the lineup every week.
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