Grading the Packers' first moves of 2024 free agency

Replacing Darnell Savage with Xavier Xavier McKinney: A-

McKinney is a star: according to PFF's numbers, in 592 snaps this year, while being targeted 53 times, the new Packers safety didn't allow a single touchdown. He's also been the best-graded free safety since he came into the league back in 2020. And while he's missed big chunks of two of the four seasons he played with the Giants, he's coming off a 17-game, 17-start season. He's only 24, and even at $17 million per year, the four year deal looks pretty good for both sides.

He's also played considerably better than Savage, who signed a three-year, $21 million deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday as well. Savage had his moments in Green Bay, but never quite played well enough to give the Packers a reason to avoid looking for his replacement. In 10 games this season, Savage was targeted 16 times and allowed 13 receptions for 113 yards, although he also didn't allow a touchdown all season.

His run defense was better – in only 10 games this year, he almost matched his 16-game tackle total from 2022 (51 to 58), and his missed tackle percentage was down slightly year-over-year. It's not like Savage absolutely had to go, but when you get an opportunity to upgrade to a player of McKinney's caliber, good teams take advantage of that.