The Green Bay Packers‘ departure from largely avoiding big-spending in free agency is paying massive dividends this season.
Among Green Bay’s marquee free agent signings last March, Xavier McKinney has developed into an indispensable presence on the back end of coordinator Jeff Hafley’s defense, en route to his first Pro Bowl appearance in his first season in a Packers uniform.
As the 2024 regular season enters its final week, McKinney has already intercepted a career-high seven interceptions, and returned one for a touchdown while setting a new career-high with 111 total tackles.
Jeff Hafley All in On Packers Safety Xavier McKinney’s Potential
In a scheme that is predicated on strong play in the secondary, even Hafley has been impressed by the impact McKinney has made throughout the 2024 campaign.
One of the most consistently dominant players at the position, across the league, Hafley believes McKinney is just beginning to reach his potential.
“He’s almost like the quarterback checking the play at the line,” Hafley told reporters ahead of the regular season finale against the Chicago Bears. “So, that’s huge. I’m so glad he’s here, and I think the best is yet ahead for this guy.”
More than just a prolific tackler with great instincts in coverage, McKinney has also quickly emerged as one of the Packers’ most respected leaders on defense.
With potential playoff matchups looming against the likes of the Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, or Minnesota Vikings, McKinney’s steady presence could prove instrumental to the Packers’ chances of making a run this postseason.
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