KEY FREE AGENT FOR NEW YORK GIANTS COULD REUNITE WITH FORMER DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR
In a potential shakeup for the New York Giants, key free agent Xavier McKinney may be drawn to a reunion with former Giants’ defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. Graham, who now holds the same position with the Las Vegas Raiders, could be the missing piece for McKinney’s future.
According to Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine, the idea of McKinney working with Graham again “could be mutually beneficial.” McKinney has proven his versatility by playing under both Graham and Wink Martindale, two very different defensive coordinators. While Martindale was known for his blitz-heavy approach, Graham relied more on a four-man rush and man coverage.
McKinney’s ability to excel in both systems, particularly as a deep safety, makes him a valuable asset in the modern NFL. However, McKinney seems determined to test the free agency market and determine his own value away from the Giants.
During Graham’s tenure as the Giants’ defensive coordinator in 2020 and 2021, McKinney had his most productive season. He recorded five interceptions, broke up 10 passes, and even scored a touchdown against the Raiders.
McKinney’s success in Graham’s defensive scheme is evident. Graham’s approach with the Dolphins in 2019 focused on blitzing and man-to-man coverage. In fact, the Dolphins played man-to-man coverage more than 50% of the time, the second most frequently in the NFL.
However, when Graham joined the Giants, he dialed back the pressure and focused more on man-heavy coverage. The Giants blitzed significantly less than the league-leading Baltimore Ravens, but McKinney still thrived as a playmaker on the back end.
The contrast between Graham’s strategy and Martindale’s approach is clear in McKinney’s usage. Under Graham, McKinney blitzed only 10 times in two seasons, while Martindale sent him on the rush 70 times.
If McKinney decides to move on from the Giants, he knows he will be utilized effectively in Graham’s gameplans. In a recent statement on X, McKinney emphasized the importance of being appreciated for his contributions both as a player and a leader.
Overall, a potential reunion between McKinney and Graham could have a significant impact on the Giants’ defense. McKinney’s versatility and playmaking ability make him a valuable asset, and Graham’s familiarity with his skills could be the missing piece for the Raiders.
I want to be appreciated in every way for what I do and bring to the table. As a player and as a leader. I’ve stood by myself ten toes through the critics, the hate etc. sacrificing what those around me didn’t want too or were afraid too for those same people to make it a…
Acknowledging McKinney’s value could be tough for the Giants. It will cost $17.22 million to use the franchise tag for a safety, according to OverTheCap.com.
The Giants are projected by Spotrac.com to have $26,016,449 worth of space under the salary cap. General manager Joe Schoen does have other needs, though, including resolving the future of running back Saquon Barkley.
Ironically, Barkley has already urged the Giants to retain McKinney. A lot may depend on what the gifted defensive back thinks about Shane Bowen replacing Martindale as coordinator.
Bowen will likely run a more passive scheme, something similar to what Graham called previously. That might convince McKinney to stay put, provided the Giants meet his market value, projected to be $10.4 million annually for five years.
James Dudko covers the New York Giants, Washington Commanders, New England Patriots, and Baltimore Ravens.
According to the Source heavy.com