The Packers are not known as a free-spending team in free agency, but with an obvious hole at safety and with some cap space on hand last winter, they opted to pursue two of the top players at what have become somewhat undervalued positions–running back Josh Jacobs and safety Xavier McKinney.
Safe to say both were big hits. Jacobs returned to Pro Bowl form with 1,329 yards on the ground for Green Bay, and McKinney picked off a career-high eight passes to earn his first All-Pro selection.
Jacobs is geared up for another good season ahead. But for McKinney, there is a chance that the numbers just won’t be there for him the way they were in 2024–having earned that All-Pro selection, there is a better chance teams will choose not to attack him in the passing game.
He understands that. And, he said, that’s fine with him–except he knows that once the regular season comes around and the competition toughens up, he will get his tests. On Sunday, he invited that challenge.
Xavier McKinney: ‘It’s Going to Come My Way’
Speaking to reporters, McKinney said, “I think we all are just trying to make sure that we continue to do our jobs within the scheme of the defense. So for me, I’m just gonna do my job.
“And, hopefully, some teams try me. And I’m sure they will once we play the good teams. It’s going to come my way. Either way, I’ve just got to keep preparing the right way. And when those opportunities show up, make plays.”
Packers DBs Are Young
Now that he has his feet firmly planted in Green Bay–he began his career with the Giants, from when he was New York’s second-round pick in 2020 through the 2023 season–McKinney is more focused on being a leader for a Packers secondary that is both young and thin with oft-injured star Jaire Alexander now in Baltimore.
“I’m focused,” McKinney said. “I’m laser focused more than I was last year. So, for me, it’s just continuing to grind, continuing to figure out ways where I can improve. Not just for myself but continuing to elevate these guys around me.
“That’s going to be the main thing. I’m trying to have the best safety room in league. So, I think we’ve done a great job with building that. And I think tonight everybody got to see what we have in our room, and we have a special one.”
Packers Getting Star Turn From Omar Brown
So far, so good on that front. In the family night game, safety Omar Brown was the star of the show, recording three interceptions and raising some eyebrows about where he might fit in 2025. Brown was a practice-squadder last year but he is making an impact in camp this year.
Brown has five INTs in camp thus far.
“I’m proud of him, and I can’t wait to continue to just see him grow,” McKinney said, via the team website. “After his third one, I just said, ‘Just stay consistent. Stay focused.’ Because as you make those plays, everybody’s patting you on the back, but you’ve still got to understand, you’re still trying to make the team.”
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