It's funny how a narrative can change in only a few days. Had you asked NY Giants fans about Xavier McKinney before the NFL Combine got started, you'd expect them to say they think the star safety wanted to leave the G-Men. His activity on social media sure was eye-opening.
However, that's not what McKinney wants to happen at all. While he's chasing a major payday in free agency, he feels like he has unfinished business in East Rutherford. While speaking with Pat Leonard, McKinney spoke about how much the Giants mean to him. This is of course something he'll keep in mind as contract talks get underway:
🚨NEW🚨 on Talkin’ Ball with Pat Leonard: It’s The “Pay That Man His Money” Episode with special guest Giants safety Xavier McKinney (@mckinney15__) ‼️
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) February 28, 2024
“I love the idea of being with the same team for my entire career”
McKinney is the type of leader who would rather guide the… pic.twitter.com/13OtN2Zzut
Xavier McKinney is hoping to get a new deal done with the NY Giants
"I've always felt the love with the Giants. As far as the organization, it's been a great organization for me. Obviously, they were the team that drafted me, so I've been in love with them ever since. They've always shown love, they've always been there for me even when I went through my ups and downs. "Xavier McKinney
That entire clip just goes to show how much the Giants mean to McKinney. At the same time, he said that he's hoping to be paid like one of the top safeties in the game. There are other factors that come into it, though.
McKinney wants to win and he's looking to play for a team that is on the rise. Sure, he could take more money in free agency, but would he want to play for a squad that's struggling and isn't looking promising for the future? Not a chance.
That's why the hope is that he and Schoen can work something out to keep him at MetLife Stadium for the long haul. McKinney was sensational for the Giants defense last season, posting three interceptions and a career-high 116 tackles. His veteran leadership is needed for the young secondary.
Contract talks between McKinney and the Giants are going to take some time, no doubt. Schoen wants to make the star DB happy, but he also wants to make sure he's not breaking the bank because of the other needs this team has. The spike for the salary cap will help, but we will find out soon enough just how bad Schoen wants to make sure McKinney doesn't play for anyone else.