The Giants experienced significant losses on the opening day of NFL free agency. Shortly after Saquon Barkley agreed to a three-year deal with Philadelphia, safety Xavier McKinney departed for the Packers, securing a lucrative four-year contract worth $68 million.
Although the Giants were keen on retaining McKinney, the $17 million per year average exceeded their budgetary constraints.
McKinney’s new deal propels him into the ranks of the NFL’s highest-paid safeties, positioning him ahead of Jessie Bates and Harrison Smith, and trailing only Derwin James, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Antoine Winfield Jr. Consequently, the player who logged every defensive snap for the Giants in 2023 will now ply his trade in Green Bay instead of New Jersey.
Despite initial optimism regarding McKinney’s return, the Giants were reluctant to meet the financial demands, ultimately opting not to match the offer he received on the open market.
A second-round pick from Alabama in the 2020 NFL Draft, McKinney showcased his potential this past season, delivering a career-best performance. Playing a pivotal role in the defense, McKinney amassed 116 tackles and three interceptions, demonstrating his impact on the field.
However, the Giants’ current management did not view McKinney as a transformative presence within the team.
While McKinney has been an asset for the Giants, notable incidents, such as a 2022 ATV accident resulting in missed games and public criticism of the coaching staff in 2023, have brought attention to his tenure with the team.
Despite McKinney’s desire to remain with the Giants and be compensated accordingly, the team’s financial priorities did not align with his expectations.
With McKinney’s departure, the Giants must reassess their defensive strategy. Options include promoting Jason Pinnock or Dane Belton to fill the safety position, or exploring veteran signings.
Additionally, the Giants retained special teams contributors Gunner Olszewski and C.J. Coughlin, providing stability in that aspect of the game for the upcoming season.
