The Green Bay Packers have been unusually active in free agency, but not everyone is convinced about their major signing, Xavier McKinney, according to a league executive.
In an article by Mike Sando in The Athletic, various NFL executives shared their unfiltered views on free agency across all teams. When discussing the Packers, at least one executive expressed reservations about the decision to acquire McKinney.
This executive commented, “I wasn’t a big Xavier McKinney fan — I liked him, but didn’t love him — primarily due to his lack of speed.”
McKinney’s 40-yard dash time of 4.63 seconds before the 2020 NFL Draft placed him in the 26th percentile for safeties. Although he performed well with the New York Giants, concerns about his below-average speed persist among some high-ranking NFL figures.
Nevertheless, McKinney has consistently excelled throughout his football career. He was a highly recruited 4-star prospect from Georgia who chose to play for Nick Saban at Alabama, where he enjoyed three successful seasons, including winning a national championship and earning All-SEC honors.
In the NFL, McKinney has demonstrated his skills, accumulating impressive stats over four seasons, including tackles, pass breakups, interceptions, and forced fumbles. Pro Football Focus ranked him among the top safeties in 2023.
Despite doubts about his speed, the Packers took a gamble on McKinney’s potential, signing him to a lucrative four-year, $67 million contract at the start of free agency, hoping he would bolster their secondary.
As free agency winds down, the Packers are shifting focus to the 2024 NFL Draft. They still need to address safety, despite McKinney’s arrival, as Anthony Johnson Jr. is the only other experienced safety on the roster, having been a late-round pick last season.
Additionally, the Packers need to bolster their offensive line depth following departures, and they may target linebackers to fit their new defensive scheme. There’s also the possibility of drafting a running back or backup quarterback on Day 3, with potential for surprise moves from General Manager Brian Gutekunst.