The Packers’ Exciting Start and Everything From Bad To Ugly During Free Agency

The craziest free agent day in Green Bay Packers history came on March 12, 2019.

In a matter of two short hours that day, Green Bay general manager Brian Gutekunst signed four free agents — outside linebackers Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith, safety Adrian Amos and offensive lineman Billy Turner.

All four went on to have large roles in Green Bay ending a two-year drought and making a run at the Super Bowl from 2019-21.

Monday didn’t quite match that wild free agency day from 2019, but it was close.

The Packers spent big money on safety Xavier McKinney and running back Josh Jacobs. Green Bay also lost four foundational pieces of its roster, as left tackle David Bakhtiati and running back Aaron Jones were released, while guard Jon Runyan and safety Darnell Savage signed elsewhere. That foursome spent a combined 29 seasons with the Packers and were key cogs in countless victories.

So the Packers began what will be an overhaul of the position by signing former New York Giants standout Xavier McKinney to a reported four-year, $68 million deal. New defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has stressed a need for a playmaking safety in his 4-3 scheme, and the Packers clearly believe the 24-year old McKinney will be that player.