Packers’ McKinney and Jacobs Discuss Love’s Impact and Their Fit
The Green Bay Packers have made a splash in free agency, breaking their conservative approach by signing star players. General manager Brian Gutekunst opened the checkbook in 2019 to bring in talented players like Za’Darius and Preston Smith, Adrian Amos, and Billy Turner. In 2024, Gutekunst took it a step further, adding the best safety available, Xavier McKinney, and one of the top running backs, Josh Jacobs.
McKinney and Jacobs, who were college teammates at Alabama, spoke with reporters in Green Bay for the first time. They shared their excitement about playing with quarterback Jordan Love and discussed their fit within the Packers’ organization.
Feeling the Love
Jacobs and McKinney both expressed their admiration for Jordan Love and his abilities as a quarterback. Jacobs was impressed by Love’s throws and his ability to make plays that most quarterbacks can’t. He believes Love’s talent and leadership will bring stability to the team. McKinney, who played against Love last season, also spoke highly of him, calling him an elite quarterback and a great leader.
Roll Tide
The reunion of Jacobs and McKinney in Green Bay is a special moment for both players. They played together at Alabama in 2017 and 2018 and have maintained a close friendship. They are excited to be teammates once again, even if they never expected it to happen in Green Bay.
How They Fit
Jacobs, known for his rushing prowess, ranks among the top running backs in the NFL since entering the league in 2019. He plans to take care of his body and stay fresh, especially now that Aaron Jones is no longer with the Packers. Jacobs has already spoken with head coach Matt LaFleur about his role in the offense, expressing a desire to contribute more in the passing game.
McKinney brings a playmaking ability to the Packers’ defense and could fill a void that has been present since Nick Collins’ time with the team. He is eager to contribute wherever needed and is willing to play different positions in the defensive backfield.
Notables
Jacobs has a close relationship with Packers special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia, who coached him during his time with the Raiders. Jacobs is excited to be around Bisaccia’s energy and believes it will be a fun experience.
He also knows Aaron Jones from offseason training in Miami and respects the standard that Jones set in Green Bay. Jacobs doesn’t see himself as replacing Jones but rather as trying to hold that same standard.
As for McKinney, he is determined to improve his missed tackles numbers from last season and believes that six or seven is too many for a safety. He is focused on lowering that number and making a significant impact on the Packers’ defense.
Conclusion
The addition of Xavier McKinney and Josh Jacobs brings excitement to the Green Bay Packers. Both players are impressed by Jordan Love’s abilities and leadership, and they are eager to be part of a stable team led by a talented quarterback. The reunion of Jacobs and McKinney adds a special dynamic to the team, as they look forward to playing together again. With Jacobs’ rushing skills and McKinney’s playmaking ability, they both fit well within the Packers’ organization and are ready to make an impact on the field.