Arguably the most important free agent that the New York Giants have heading into the 2024 NFL offseason is safety Xavier McKinney. A second-round pick out of Alabama in 2020, McKinney is entering free agency on a high note.
The 2023 campaign was arguably his best one, performing at a very high level. He set a career-high with 116 total tackles and was one of two Giants, along with linebacker Bobby Okereke, to play every defensive snap last season.
According to PPF, McKinney was one of the best players in the NFL at the safety position. His 87.8 overall grade ranked fourth among qualified players, trailing only Antoine Winfield Jr., Jessie Bates III and Jevon Holland.
Where McKinney separated himself from the group was with his sure tackling and coverage ability. His 89.1 tackling grade was third among all safeties and first among qualified players, while his coverage grade of 91.2 was ranked first.
He could not have picked a better time to have a big season, as McKinney will now be looking to cash in as a free agent. What kind of contract could he be looking at? As shared by Dan Duggan of The Athletic, who covers the Giants, via Jimmy T on X, the price tag for McKinney is between $12-14 million.
In some cases, landing at that price would be a bargain. The franchise tag for safeties in 2024 is set at $17,123,000 with the transition tag set for $13,815,000. Rumors swirled recently that the Giants could consider placing the transition tag on McKinney and the price range Duggan shared reflects that.
McKinney’s versatility is something that will appeal to plenty of teams. He is capable of playing the deep safety role or coming into the box in run support. Dropping into coverage or playing slot cornerback is something he is comfortable with doing as well.
Last season, McKinney even lined up along the defensive line and at a traditional cornerback position for some plays. The ultimate Swiss army knife, McKinney should have a healthy market as he would help improve several defenses should the Giants opt not to bring him back.
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