The Giants have a number of key free agency decisions to make this offseason. While running back Saquon Barkley has understandably generated considerable attention, safety Xavier McKinney is also in need of a new contract. 
The latter has helped his free agent stock considerably over the course of the 2023 season in particular. McKinney set a new career high in tackles this season with 116, also reaching a personal best in pass deflections (11) and recording his second-best completion percentage allowed when in coverage (63.1%). Overall, he has racked up 279 stops, 27 pass breakups and nine interceptions across his four-year career while serving as an every-down player in the Giants’ defense.
“I don’t think nobody’s on my level from the standpoint of being able to do every single thing on the back end,” McKinney said when asked about his financial future. “I think a lot of safeties have certain things that they’re good at and a lot of stuff they’re not good at. But with me, if you just look at my whole game and how I am, I’m able to do everything at a high level and be very productive doing it.
“I’m the most complete safety out there, and it’s about time for some respect to that, too. So, I definitely think I am the best safety in this league and I’ll continue to prove that” (h/t Mark Cannizzaro of the New York Post).
Derwin James sits atop the position’s market with an average annual value of $19MM on his Chargers deal. The most lucrative contract in terms of AAV signed last offseason was that of Jessie Bates with the Falcons ($16MM). McKinney will be eying something in that range if he holds firm on his conviction that he deserves to move to the top of the safety pecking order. With the offseason having begun for New York, he and the Giants will be able to pick up contract talks after the parties agreed to put them on hold during the campaign.
When speaking publicly about McKinney’s situation, general manager Joe Schoen confirmed talks will take place on a deal. It will be interesting to see, however, how far the team will be willing to go if the Alabama alum sets an asking price which they are unable or unwilling to match. New York was in a similar situation last year when Julian Love turned a career year into a Seahawks pact in free agency. Love earned a Pro Bowl nod in his debut Seattle season, and McKinney would enter a new team with considerable expectations.
Changes after a 6-11 season will be coming to the Giants’ roster in the coming weeks and month, and it is already known the team’s defense will have a new coordinator in place for 2024. Deciding on McKinney’s future will be significant for New York’s financial outlook, and of course for the second phase of his career. Talks on a new contract will be worth watching closely.
He’s a must sign.can’t afford to lose him to free agency.
I think they’ll let him go. $19m a year is a lot and they do not have the cap space flexibility with all the holes on the team. I liked Julian Love as well, so be a shame to let go of another safety.
I’d be shocked if someone paid McKinney that much. He’s a good player but he’s not worth that much.
He’s good. Just not $15 to $19mill a year good.
This is what happens when you promise $40mill a year to the HOPES of a top 10 QB who hasn’t shown to be much more than a top 20 QB. And that’s in question.
He isn’t gonna take $11 to $12.5mill. so he’s gonna need to shop elsewhere for a new home.
I would like to see him stay around, but not at top dollar. He’s a good player and shown he can handle NY, but the Giants are rebuilding a number of positions and throwing extra money at safety while offensive line, running back and quarterback are issues seems foolish.