Xavier McKinney reveals why he signed with Packers in free agency

The Green Bay Packers addressed their top offseason need by signing the best safety available in free agency. Xavier McKinney is the difference-maker they desperately needed to find this offseason, and he becomes a foundational piece alongside Jaire Alexander in a rebuilding secondary.

Green Bay faced competition to sign McKinney, with reports that the Philadelphia Eagles were heavily interested.

Credit to Brian Gutekunst—and Kay Adams— for getting the deal over the line. The Packers knew they needed to upgrade the secondary, and while more work is required, signing McKinney is the perfect start.

McKinney had plenty of options but chose to sign with the Packers, and he provided some insight into why he wanted to play in Green Bay.

Xavier McKinney says Jordan Love was a 'big factor' in why he signed with Packers

The Packers exceeded expectations by even making the playoffs last season, but their dominant win over the Dallas Cowboys showed why they are here to stay with Jordan Love. And McKinney wanted to be part of it.

"Great organization, great franchise, a lot of history here. A lot of winning," said McKinney.

McKinney said Love was a "big factor" in his decision.

"It's a competitive league, and you need an elite quarterback to be able to even have a chance. I believe that he is an elite quarterback," said McKinney. "The sky's the limit for him. I know he's a great leader. I've heard great things about him."

For the Packers to reach their potential with Love, the defense must make significant improvements from last season. That's why McKinney is such an important signing.

Along with adding reinforcements to the secondary, the Packers also overhauled their defensive staff, hiring Jeff Hafley as their new defensive coordinator. Hafley brought in Derrick Ansley—who coached McKinney in college—as his pass game coordinator.

"Once I heard that, it was something I was happy about. It definitely was something that sparked interest for me, big time," said McKinney.

As the defensive pass game coordinator, Ansley will work closely with McKinney, whom he recruited to Alabama in 2017.

The Packers have the chance to become Super Bowl contenders this season, and McKinney can play a starring role. More work is required to build the roster in the weeks ahead, but Green Bay has made a great start to the offseason with the additions it has made.

The sky is the limit for this young team, and McKinney wanted to be part of it.

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