Green Bay Packers to pursue major safety upgrade in free agency?

The Green Bay Packers head into the offseason with safety as their top priority, but the available talent in the upcoming draft class is lacking at this position. With no safeties projected to go in the first round and notable absence from top prospect rankings, such as NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah’s top 50, the Packers face a challenge in addressing their needs.

This situation is less than ideal for Green Bay, especially with key players like Darnell Savage, Jonathan Owens, and Rudy Ford set to enter free agency.

In the past, General Manager Brian Gutekunst has turned to free agency to bolster the safety position. In 2019, he signed veteran Adrian Amos early in free agency and later traded up in the draft to acquire Savage.

Given the scarcity of viable options in the upcoming draft, free agency might be an even more crucial avenue for addressing the team’s needs this year.

The Packers are shifting their defensive strategies and anticipate utilizing a significant amount of single-high coverages in the upcoming season. As such, they are on the lookout for safeties who can thrive in this system.

One potential target is Xavier McKinney of the New York Giants. ESPN’s Matt Bowen identified the Packers as an ideal landing spot for McKinney among the top free agents of 2024.

“This might be a stretch given the Packers’ history in free agency, but McKinney can play both safety spots, with the ability to cover down and create range in the post. He had three interceptions last season with the Giants, and I see him as a good fit for a Packers defense that will change its coverage and pressure tendencies under defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley.”

While McKinney could undoubtedly enhance Green Bay’s defense, the question remains whether the team is willing to meet his salary demands. McKinney, who is coming off a standout season with the Giants, allowed just one touchdown in coverage all year and maintained an impressive passer rating against him.

At only 24 years old and with significant potential for further growth, McKinney presents an enticing option for any team in need of secondary reinforcement.

However, the competition for McKinney’s services is expected to be fierce if he hits free agency. Spotrac estimates his average salary at $10.4 million, raising questions about whether the Packers would be willing to invest such a sum.

Despite the challenges, signing McKinney could be a significant step in shoring up the Green Bay Packers’ secondary and improving their overall defensive performance.