Xavier McKinney, who played every defensive snap for the Giants, was second on the team in tackles (a career-high 116), and led the club in interceptions with three, is about to enter free agency.
Furthermore, he stated that he believes he has only “scratched the surface of who I am as a player.”
Seems like a great starting place for McKinney, who is only 24 years old, to enter the open market. What does all of this mean, though, for the possible future of safety in blue? Naturally, the Giants must maintain a talented roster. But at what price, particularly considering the number of other roster gaps they need to fill?
Let’s examine if the Giants ought to let rid of or re-sign one of their top players.
Reasons behind McKinney’s comeback
McKinney has made it apparent that he has an argument and feels that he is the most comprehensive safety accessible. It’s also possible that he is correct to believe that he could improve much more.
After being selected by the Giants in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, he had three successful seasons in the league. However, he was injured in two of them and missed time. He was obviously becoming better as a player in 2023, to the point where Pro Football Focus included him on their All-Breakout Team.
McKinney is highly praised for his exceptional tackle ability and covering skills. He is a complete safety. He was the only Giant to be on the field for every defensive play, along with Bobby Okereke, and set career highs in passes defended (11) and fumble recoveries (2). And in the Giants’ season-ending triumph over the Eagles, McKinney demonstrated his ability to produce huge plays with two interceptions, three passes defensed, and six tackles.
He must, of course, demonstrate that he is capable of maintaining a similar level of productivity and health over time. But he benefits from his advanced age. Due to his August birthday, McKinney is younger than the other top safeties available in free agency. In terms of available safeties, McKinney is ranked fourth by PFF, behind only Antoine Winfield Jr. (25), Kyle Dugger (28 in March), and Kamren Curl (25 in March).
