SerpApi.Org
The Green Bay Packers have quickly reaped the rewards of signing Xavier McKinney, while the New York Giants continue to face criticism for allowing the standout safety to leave in free agency.
After back-to-back elite seasons in Green Bay, McKinney has firmly established himself among the NFL’s best at his position, earning the No. 4 spot in Sports Illustrated’s safety rankings entering the 2026 season.
In its evaluation, Sports Illustrated emphasized the immediate impact McKinney has made since arriving in Green Bay, noting that his play has elevated him into the conversation among the league’s elite safeties after departing the Giants.
Xavier McKinney thrives with the Green Bay Packers
“The Giants’ decision not to re-sign McKinney continues to haunt them, as he’s developed into one of the league’s best safeties in Green Bay,” writers from Sports Illustrated remarked.
“Across two seasons with the Packers, McKinney has recorded 10 interceptions (including eight in 2024), 21 pass defenses, 195 tackles and two sacks. A ball hawk in coverage, McKinney was a first-team All-Pro selectee in ’24 and made the All-Pro second team in ’25.”
McKinney’s production since joining the Packers has shown why he is now viewed as one of the NFL’s top defensive backs. His knack for creating turnovers, combined with his awareness, coverage skills, and ability to cover ground, has brought a major upgrade to Green Bay’s secondary and given the defense a legitimate playmaker on the back end.
The Alabama star’s best football may still be ahead of him despite already establishing himself as one of the league’s premier safeties. At only 27, he has plenty of time to continue building his reputation, and sustained elite play could make him one of the most valuable pieces on Green Bay’s defense and across the entire NFL.
