Xavier McKinney's comments about signing with Packers leave them with easy decision

The NFL continues to devalue the safety position, and it works in the Green Bay Packers' favor. It has led to one of the league's top safeties, Xavier McKinney, hitting free agency.

Surprisingly, the New York Giants chose not to use the franchise or transition tag on McKinney, which means he will hit free agency on March 13 unless he signs an extension. This close to free agency, it would make sense for McKinney to test the market.

Green Bay could be one of several teams interested in signing the veteran defensive back.

McKinney is only 24 years old and is just scratching the surface of his potential. He is coming off a career year with the Giants, making 11 pass defenses and three interceptions. If McKinney hits free agency, he can evaluate his options and find the right fit. The Packers could be the perfect landing spot.

Xavier McKinney comments on potentially signing with Packers in free agency

If the Packers make a deal with McKinney, they can give an assist to Kay Adams. On a recent episode of Up & Adams, she brought up the possibility of McKinney reuniting with former defensive backs coach Derrick Ansley in Green Bay.

McKinney said that he was "intrigued" when he heard the news of the Packers hiring Ansley.

"I didn't know that he was there. I thought he was still with the Chargers," said McKinney. "So when I heard that news, I was kind of intrigued a little bit."

Ansley was the lead recruiter and defensive backs coach at Alabama during McKinney's time there. The Packers hired Ansley as their new defensive pass game coordinator this offseason, having spent last year as the Los Angeles Chargers' defensive coordinator.

Reuniting McKinney with Ansley makes a lot of sense, and the former second-round pick could play various roles in Jeff Hafley's defense.

"I'm very versatile," said McKinney. "I've proven I can play the deep part of the field. I can play half the field, quarters coverage, I can blitz. I'm able to play man to man, I'm able to play zone, I can play in the slot."

General manager Brian Gutekunst wants defensive backs who can move around and play multiple positions. McKinney can do that. Hafley could use him as the deep single-high safety or have him play in the box.

There is no shortage of talent in the free-agent safety market, but McKinney's name is at the top of the list.

Gutekunst should do everything possible to ensure he is playing in Green Bay next season.

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