The New York Giants decided to reorganize their finances in 2024, which involved allowing running back Saquon Barkley and safety Xavier McKinney to leave in NFL free agency.
While this may have been the right move for the team, departures like this could turn out to be successful elsewhere. The Green Bay Packers’ decision to sign McKinney is already generating a lot of attention in the NFL community.
During an According to an article by ESPN experts on March 23, staff writer Matt Bowen called the McKinney addition the 'best overall' signing of free agency so far. Bowen reasoned that 'McKinney, 25, has nine interceptions and 14 pass breakups in his four pro seasons.' The Packers signed McKinney on a four-year, $68 million deal.
Xavier McKinney expressed that it 'feels good to feel wanted' after joining the Packers
In case you missed it,
McKinney posted
on social media on March 15 after agreeing to terms with the Packers — and he seemed to criticize the Giants organization and fanbase. He expressed appreciation for the Packers fans and organization, suggesting that he felt more wanted by them. He also committed to giving his best every day. He used hashtags like #GoPackGo and emojis like 🧀. A popular comment from an NYG supporter reflected the sentiments of the fanbase.
The user expressed that
, although that sentiment may have been overlooked during contract negotiations.
It's clear that the Giants' front office did not offer McKinney what he was hoping for, which could make a homegrown talent feel unwanted, even if it's a business decision. repliedAs for the fanbase, many NYG supporters wanted the defensive playmaker to return, so his departure was perplexing. But people often focus on criticism rather than support, which is a natural tendency.
Giants Insider Highlights 'Biggest Remaining Roster Hole' After Free Agency
In an article on March 21,
ESPN NYG insider Jordan Raanan summarized
the first couple of weeks of free agency in 2024. Raanan acknowledged that the top priorities were to solidify the offensive line and improve the pass rush, and despite the losses, the team succeeded in these areas. He also noted that
'is better than any pass-rusher that was on the market and the [offensive] line has four new reinforcements.'
Furthermore, he highlighted the 'biggest remaining roster hole' after free agency in his opinion. Brian Burns He pointed out that the Giants still don’t have a No. 1 wide receiver for
[Daniel] Jones
, and it may be addressed in free agency or via trade, but currently the group is led by Darius SlaytonWan’Dale Robinson If the Big Blue team doesn't pick a QB in the first round of the NFL draft, most people think they will fill this need with one of three players: Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, or Rome Odunze. Choosing a wide receiver would give the Giants four or five strong options for catching passes in 2024, depending on, Darren Waller’s decision about retiring and Jalin Hyatt.”
at the tight end position. A writer who covers the NFL thinks that one of the experienced players leaving the Giants will turn out to be the best signing in free agency this spring. at tight end.
