The Inexperienced Bay Packers pulled off one in all free company’s largest coups final yr by touchdown security Xavier McKinney with a four-year, $67 million contract.
The funding has paid rapid dividends as McKinney reworked into the defensive spine Inexperienced Bay desperately wanted.
McKinney lately mirrored on his determination to hitch the Packers, calling it a straightforward alternative when talking with CBS’ Pete Prisco.
“This was like the perfect, and clearly, like, to me, it was the apparent alternative. Simply because I knew that it might assist me get again to solely locking in on my craft and what I do for my job. The environment is the perfect that I’ve ever been round,” McKinney stated.
Xavier McKinney spoke with @PriscoCBS on why Inexperienced Bay was the “apparent alternative” for him in free company. pic.twitter.com/SxMl2W55cb
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) August 7, 2025
His first season in Inexperienced Bay validated that confidence. McKinney completed second league-wide with eight interceptions and earned first-team All-Professional recognition.
The numbers inform solely a part of his impression story.
McKinney rapidly turned the vocal chief of Inexperienced Bay’s secondary. He features because the defensive quarterback, teaching youthful safeties and setting the unit’s tone.
Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has praised him as “a outstanding soccer participant” who elevates teammates round him.
A calf damage has stored McKinney off the sphere throughout coaching camp and preseason video games. He stays optimistic about returning for the common season opener in opposition to the Detroit Lions.
McKinney’s alternative wasn’t solely about Inexperienced Bay’s tradition. The chance to hitch a proficient defensive group factored closely into his determination.
The Packers wanted a confirmed chief of their secondary, and McKinney wanted the fitting setting to showcase his talents.
As Inexperienced Bay prepares for one more playoff push, McKinney’s mixture of playmaking skill and management continues proving important.
His focus stays on reaching full well being whereas guiding the protection from the sideline. The Packers obtained precisely what they paid for of their marquee free agent signing.
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