Last season, the Green Bay Packers surprised the NFL community with their transition from Aaron Rodgers to Jordan Love. Despite uncertainties, they managed a playoff win against the Dallas Cowboys and nearly clinched victory against the San Francisco 49ers. This offseason, to maintain their positive trajectory, the Packers made some strategic moves, notably signing safety Xavier McKinney from the New York Giants. McKinney’s addition addresses a longstanding need for the team, providing a dynamic playmaker in the secondary.
McKinney’s track record demonstrates his impact on the field, boasting nine interceptions and 29 pass deflections over his four-year career. Notably, he excels in coverage, earning high grades from sources like PFF. Additionally, McKinney’s prowess extends beyond coverage; he’s a reliable tackler, as showcased in critical moments like the 2022 Wild Card game against the Giants.
While Darnell Savage was hoped to fill this role, the Packers recognized the opportunity to upgrade with McKinney. Despite Savage’s comparable stats, McKinney’s overall impact and reliability make him a clear choice.
However, the Packers’ decision to let go of star running back Aaron Jones in favor of Josh Jacobs signals both a strategic shift and a risk. Jacobs offers youth and durability but falls short of Jones’ efficiency and elite performance on a per-touch basis. Jones’ departure to the Minnesota Vikings opens the door for him to potentially haunt the Packers in future matchups. Only time will tell the consequences of this move for Green Bay.
