The New York Giants have made a bold decision ahead of the NFL free agency period by choosing not to place the franchise tag on safety Xavier McKinney. This move carries significant risks for the team, as McKinney has proven to be a valuable asset on the field.
McKinney, a second-round draft pick in 2020, quickly established himself as a key player in the Giants’ defense. Despite missing four games due to injury last season, he still managed to make an impact with 46 tackles, one interception, and two forced fumbles. McKinney’s versatility and playmaking abilities have made him a standout performer in the league.
By choosing not to tag McKinney, the Giants are taking a gamble on his future with the team. The franchise tag would have secured his services for at least one more season, giving the Giants more time to negotiate a long-term contract. However, by opting not to use the tag, McKinney becomes an unrestricted free agent and can negotiate with any team in the league.
This decision puts the Giants at risk of losing McKinney to another team willing to offer him a more lucrative contract. As one of the top safeties available in free agency, McKinney is sure to attract interest from multiple teams. The Giants will need to be aggressive in their negotiations to ensure they can retain his services.
The decision to let McKinney hit free agency could also have consequences for the team’s salary cap situation. By not using the franchise tag, the Giants free up cap space that can be used to sign other players or address other needs on the roster. However, if they are unable to re-sign McKinney, they will need to find a suitable replacement which could potentially cost them more in terms of salary cap space.
Despite the risks involved, the Giants may have made this decision with a long-term vision in mind. By allowing McKinney to test the free agent market, they can gauge his market value and determine if they are willing to meet his demands. If another team offers him an exorbitant contract, the Giants may choose to let him walk and allocate their resources elsewhere.
In conclusion, the New York Giants’ decision not to tag Xavier McKinney ahead of NFL free agency is a significant risk for the team. McKinney’s impact on the field has been undeniable, and losing him to another team would be a significant blow to the Giants’ defense. However, this decision also presents an opportunity for the team to assess McKinney’s market value and make a strategic decision based on their long-term goals. Only time will tell if this gamble pays off for the Giants.
