Giants’ Xavier McKinney sends cryptic tweets as free agency looms

New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney is still without a contract for the 2024 NFL season and could very well become an unrestricted free agent when the new league year begins on March 13.

The Giants had many an opportunity to ink the 2020 second-round pick out of Alabama to a long-term deal over the past year but either failed — or did not choose — to do so.

McKinney, 24, had his best season as a pro in 2023 and established himself as a solid safety but was it enough for the Giants to look past his prior shortcomings?

Let’s not forget that McKinney violated his contract in 2022 when he injured his hand in an ATV accident during the Giants’ bye week that cost him the second half of the season.

This year, McKinney was critical of the team’s coaches, citing communications issues. Even though that complaint was merited after the departure of coordinator Wink Martindale, the Giants may not have appreciated the manner in which McKinney aired the rift publicly.

All that being said, McKinney appears to be lobbying for an extension from the Giants, reminding them of his existence on social media.

Never go where your tolerated .. only go where you are appreciated ! 🤞🏾

— Xavier McKinney (@mckinney15__) February 25, 2024

Earned everything I got . Nothing .. nothing has been given . No cap 🤞🏾

— Xavier McKinney (@mckinney15__) February 20, 2024

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…

— Xavier McKinney (@mckinney15__) February 16, 2024

The Giants could simply re-sign McKinney before the league new year — if the numbers mesh — or they could allow him to hit the open market and take their chances.

Another option is the franchise tag, which would cost them approximately $16 million for this year, or the lesser option of the transition tag (approx. $13 million).

Odds are the Giants aren’t madly in love with McKinney at the moment and are playing the market. We’ll know soon enough how much they feel about their defensive captain as the tag deadline is March 5 and free agency begins a week after that.