The Green Bay Packers knew Xavier McKinney had All-Pro potential when they handed him a four-year deal worth $68 million in the offseason. But even Brian Gutekunst couldn't have expected this level of play in McKinney's opening five games.
McKinney made yet another interception on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams, his fifth of the season. He has one in each Packers game this year.
Not only has McKinney become the first player in Packers history to make five picks in their first five games, but he is the first player in the NFL to do it since the 1970 merger.
McKinney came close to making another pick later in the second half. He is a star. Here is his game-changing play from Week 5:
5️⃣ straight games with an interception for Xavier McKinney!! An unreal start in GB for 5th-year safety.
— NFL (@NFL) October 6, 2024
📺: #GBvsLAR on CBS/Paramount+
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Xavier McKinney is off to a historic start to his Packers career
McKinney has played five games for the Packers and he already has five interceptions and a fumble recovery. He would still have earned every penny even if you took away the takeaways. McKinney is always around the ball, tackles well, and rarely makes mistakes.
Jeff Hafley couldn't have handpicked a better safety for his system than McKinney. It's a perfect combination of talent and scheme.
Last season, the Packers' defense made seven interceptions. All year. That's it. McKinney has almost matched that total, and he has only been in Green Bay for two minutes.
The Packers have enjoyed great safety play over the years, from Willie Wood to LeRoy Butler to Nick Collins. None of them made five picks in their opening five games. McKinney has made an unbelievable start to his Packers career.
And the best part? He is only just getting started. McKinney is a turnover machine and has become everything the Packers hoped for when they handed him a huge contract in the offseason.