The Green Bay Packers signed safety Xavier McKinney last offseason to bolster the secondary. It was one of the best moves that general manager Brian Gutekunst has made during his tenure in the Packers front office.
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Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) rushes the ball past Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney (29) during the first half in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
McKinney’s presence helped the Packers improved its secondary right away. The Packers finished with an 11-6 record before losing to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Wild Card Round. People can argue that McKinney was one of the best players on the Packers roster last season. Pro Football Focus rated its top three players for each NFL team entering the 2025 NFL season.
Xavier McKinney Of the Green Bay Packers One of Top Three Players On Roster According To PFF Entering the 2025 NFL Season
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Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (88) makes a catch against Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney (29) during the first half in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Pro Football Focus wrote about the top three players on each NFL team entering the 2025 NFL season. To go along with McKinney, running back Josh Jacobs, and offensive lineman Zach Tom were the other two players who were listed here. Trevor Sikkema of profootballfocus.com said,
“McKinney impressed in his first season in Green Bay, notching a 90.2 coverage grade, his second straight season of elite performance in coverage. Jacobs set career highs with a 92.3 overall grade and a 91.3 rushing grade while also posting a 0.21 WAR, fifth-best among all running backs. Tom continued to ascend, earning an 87.8 run-blocking grade and an 85.8 overall grade — both career bests.”
McKinney during the 2024 season recorded 88 tackles, one sack, one fumble recovery, eight interceptions, and 11 pass deflections. He will look to have a repeat 2025 season, and many Packers fans were surprised to see him not re-signed by the New York Giants.
Tom is proving to be one of the most underrated offensive lineman in the league and he could be getting a contract extension soon for Green Bay. As for Jacobs, he came over as a free agent from the Las Vegas Raiders after the 2023 NFL season. Jacobs rushed for 1,329 yards on 301 carries and 15 touchdowns, along with averaging 4.4 yards per carry. He also caught 36 passes for 342 yards receiving and one touchdown, along with averaging 9.5 yards per reception.
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