3 teams Packers must outbid for Xavier McKinney as free agency heats up

The Green Bay Packers have been linked with free-agent safety Xavier McKinney all offseason. Green Bay desperately needs to add at least one premier safety to fit Jeff Hafley's scheme, and McKinney is among the best available.

But it won't be easy for the Packers. The New York Giants don't want to lose him and have reportedly considered using the transition tag.

Even if McKinney becomes a free agent at the start of the new league year on March 13, the Packers could face competition to sign him. Several other teams need safety help, and McKinney should have interest across the league. He is 24 years old and has played a significant role in the Giants' defense over the past four seasons.

Which teams could compete with the Packers for McKinney if he hits the open market?

3 teams that could compete with Packers to sign Xavier McKinney in free agency

3. Los Angeles Chargers

Jim Harbaugh aims to make an immediate impact with the Chargers, and the top priority is to fix their defense. Los Angeles allowed 249.8 passing yards per game, the third-worst record in the league.

The Chargers need help in the secondary, including at safety. Starter Alohi Gilman is an unrestricted free agent, and the team could look for an upgrade at the starting position next to All-Pro Derwin James.

A challenging cap situation may prevent the Chargers from spending big in free agency, but given how much they need help in the secondary, they are a team to watch.

2. Philadelphia Eagles

Like the Packers, the Eagles desperately need help in the secondary this offseason, and they would love nothing more than to take a key player from a division rival. Philadelphia had the second-worst pass defense in the league last season, allowing 252.7 yards through the air per game.

Philadelphia has over $27 million in cap space and could add a further $13 million by releasing veteran safety Kevin Byard. That would make room for Byard's replacement if the Eagles sign a free agent.

The Eagles can get back into Super Bowl contention by fixing their defensive issues, so it won't be surprising if they are aggressive in free agency.

1. Tennessee Titans

Safety is a need for the Titans after trading Kevin Byard to the Eagles before last season's deadline. Justin Melo of Broadway Sports Media expects the Titans to "acquire a starting-caliber safety."

The Titans lack depth at the position and need a new starter to play alongside Amani Hooker. McKinney could be high on their list in free agency. Tennessee could prioritize fixing the secondary for new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson, who has experience as a defensive backs coach.

The concern for Green Bay is that Tennessee enters free agency with a league-high $78.5 million in cap space, enough to overhaul its roster at areas of need.

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