Green Bay Packers’ $68 million star takes an indirect shot at New York Giants while talking about his free agent decision from last year.
Green Bay Packers’ $68M star takes indirect shot at Giants originally appeared on The Sporting News
Xavier McKinney is going into Year 2, but in an interview with CBS Sports, the Green Bay Packers safety revisited last year's decision to sign with the team as a free agent. Moreover, he took an indirect shot at the New York Giants.
McKinney spent the first four years of his NFL career with the Giants, who drafted him in the second round, 36th overall, out of the University of Alabama in 2020. Nonetheless, in 2024, McKinney left New York to sign with Green Bay as a free agent.
The 26-year-old signed a four-year, $68 million deal, and when speaking to CBS Sports, McKinney detailed why he decided to join the Packers after leaving New York.
"I think this was the best," McKinney said. "Obviously, to me, it was the obvious choice just because I knew that it would help me get back to solely locking in on my craft and what I do for my job.
"Obviously, the atmosphere is the best that I've ever experienced. Ever since I've gotten in here, everybody's been so welcoming. The organization has been great, and I can't wait to continue to have this success with them and grow."
Xavier McKinney spoke with @PriscoCBS on why Green Bay was the "obvious choice" for him in free agency. pic.twitter.com/SxMl2W55cb
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) August 7, 2025
The signing appears to be a home run for the Packers, much to the dismay of the Giants. In Year 1 with Green Bay, McKinney had a career high eight interceptions while recording 11 passes defended and one sack.
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He also registered 88 tackles, which is the second-highest tally in his career, and all this production led to him earning his first Pro Bowl selection. For a team that needed safety help heading into the 2024 offseason, the Packers have struck gold with what he produced last season.
It will be interesting to see if McKinney can replicate his Pro Bowl season in Year 2 as the Packers look to take that next step as a team and go on a deep playoff run.
Category: Football
