12 New York Giants Who Won't Return Next Season

6. Xavier McKinney

I don't like writing about this one any more than you like reading about it.

Most of the names I've highlighted so far are players that the Giants will be choosing (at least in part) to let go. There probably aren't many people in the Giants organization (and even fewer fans) who want to see Xavier McKinney leave in free agency.

But keeping him in town would need to be a mutual decision.

McKinney was arguably the GIants' best defender last season (though I'd give that title to Dexter Lawrence, personally), and the 2020 second-round pick has clearly hit his stride as a pro.

Unfortunately, that breakout came in the last year of his rookie contract. It was great to get his production for about $2 million last year, that cap hit is going to be something like seven or eight times as high as that next year. There are six safeties currently averaging over $15 million per year on their contract, and it would be no surprise to see McKinney join the group.

Is he worth that contract? Probably. Will the Giants offer it? I'm not sure. But McKinney has said that he plans to test the free agent market, and after going public about feeling disrespected by how the team handled a potential contract extension.

That's not a combination that bodes well for the idea that he's going to return. The Giants aren't an overly attractive destination in free agency this year, and a sour relationship isn't going to make it any better for McKinney.