An opportunity has opened up for the Green Bay Packers to fortify their secondary after the New York Giants decided against using the franchise tag on Xavier McKinney, who is set to hit free agency this offseason.

Xavier McKinney is linked with a transfer to Green Bay since he expressed interest in potentially doing so. And with Darnell Savage’s future in Wisconsin unclear, McKinney could theoretically fill his shoes.

New York Giants Xavier McKinney Green Bay Packers
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney will be among the most coveted players in free agency.
Credit: Getty Images
“A three-year starter after being selected in the second round of the 2020 draft, McKinney becomes the top target for teams needing help at safety, such as the Packers,” wrote Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

“If Savage isn’t re-signed, potentially signing a safety in free agency would be only the first step in overhauling the weakest position on the Packers roster. The Packers have the cap flexibility to pursue McKinney, depending on how they evaluate him,” he added.

Xavier McKinney’s ties with the Green Bay Packers
If Xavier McKinney ultimately joins the Green Bay Packers this summer, it won’t take him long to get acclimated since he already knows two of the team’s key members.Ezoic

The former Alabama safety shares an agent with quarterback Jordan Love, and he will potentially be reunited with Derrick Ansley, his defensive backs coach back in college.

Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) celebrates with fans after defeating the Chicago Bears during their football game Sunday, January 7, 2024, in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Credit: Getty Images
However, getting McKinney is easier said than done since he will be one of the most coveted defensive backs on the market. According to Spotrac, the 24-year-old safety is valued at an average annual salary of $10.4 million, and the Green Bay Packers only have around $13 million in cap space.

The Green Bay Packers should go for Xavier McKinney
Xavier McKinney has established himself as one of the most versatile safeties in the NFL. He came into the league as a second-round pick for the New York Giants in 2020, having played 49 games in his first four seasons.

In 2023, McKinney played every defensive snap for the New York Giants. He tallied 116 combined tackles (78 solo), two of which were for a loss, 11 passes defended, three interceptions, two fumble returns, and one forced fumble.

Green Bay Packers, Xavier McKinney, New York Giants
Oct. 29, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) warms up before the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
PFF had McKinney ranked fourth in overall grade among safeties last season and was the highest-graded player in coverage within his position, with a grade of 89.1.