Giants Free Agent Could Reunite With Former Defensive Coordinator
The New York Giants could face the prospect of losing safety Xavier McKinney in free agency, with a reunion with former Giants defensive coordinator Patrick Graham potentially luring him to the Las Vegas Raiders.
A reunion between McKinney and Graham is being suggested by Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report, who believes it could benefit both parties. McKinney has shown his versatility by excelling under different defensive schemes, thriving as a deep safety while also being effective in the box.
McKinney’s most productive season came under Graham in 2021, where he recorded five interceptions and 10 pass breakups. Graham’s defensive approach with the Giants differed significantly from his previous stint with the Miami Dolphins, where he favored blitz-heavy and man-to-man coverage schemes.
Graham’s Giants defense focused more on a four-man rush and man coverage, which suited McKinney’s skill set as a deep safety. Despite this success, McKinney seems set on exploring free agency to assess his value outside of the Giants.
McKinney’s desire for fair value and appreciation as a player and leader could complicate matters for the Giants, especially considering the cost of using the franchise tag on him. With other needs to address, such as the future of running back Saquon Barkley, the Giants may face challenges in retaining McKinney.
The potential influence of new defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, who is expected to implement a more passive scheme similar to Graham’s, could play a role in McKinney’s decision. However, his market value, estimated at $10.4 million annually for five years, will likely be a significant factor in determining his future team.
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