Xavier McKinney Says Offseason Signings Bring Something the Packers Have Been Missing

The Green Bay Packers have built one of the NFL’s youngest rosters over the last several seasons. That youth movement, with play from players like Xavier McKinney, helped the team reach the playoffs three straight years, but it also may have exposed one major weakness: experience.

That’s why the additions of linebacker Zaire Franklin and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave could end up being far more important than many fans realize.

Green Bay Packers Xavier McKinney Loving The Offseason Moves

Packers star safety Xavier McKinney recently pointed directly to that factor when discussing Green Bay’s offseason additions.

“We have guys now that have a lot of experience, or more experience than we’ve had in the past,” McKinney said during OTAs.

That may not sound flashy, but for a team trying to take the next step from playoff contender to legitimate Super Bowl threat, it could be one of the biggest developments of the offseason.

The Packers Finally Added Veteran Leadership to the Defense

For three consecutive years, Green Bay fielded the youngest roster in the NFL. While the Green Bay Packers’ youth has created excitement and long-term optimism, it has also shown up in critical moments during the postseason. The team has now exited in the Wild Card round in back-to-back seasons despite having plenty of talent across the roster. This offseason felt different.

The Packers intentionally targeted veterans with leadership experience, including Franklin via trade and Hargrave in free agency. Both players have already emerged as important voices during offseason workouts.

According to reports from OTAs, Franklin has immediately stepped into the green-dot role on defense, meaning he is responsible for communicating plays from defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon to the rest of the unit.

That’s a massive responsibility, especially on a defense that is trying to establish a new identity under Gannon. Meanwhile, Hargrave has reportedly become a calming presence along the defensive line, bringing leadership and stability to one of the most important position groups on the roster.

Xavier McKinney Thinks the Experience Will Matter During the Season

McKinney made it clear that the difference is already noticeable.

“I think you kind of see that with who we have now and what we have kind of going on,” McKinney said. “I think that’s going to be big for us just going throughout the year.”

That quote says a lot about how the Packers view their roster entering 2026. Green Bay already believed it had enough young talent to compete. The missing ingredient may have simply been veteran players who have seen more football, handled high-pressure situations, and understand how to stabilize a locker room during difficult stretches of the season.

Hargrave especially brings major postseason experience after multiple deep playoff runs throughout his career. Franklin also arrives with proven leadership credentials after becoming one of the Colts’ defensive leaders in recent seasons.

Jonathan Gannon’s Influence Is Already Showing

Another important layer to these additions is the Jonathan Gannon connection. Both Franklin and Hargrave previously played under Gannon before he became the Packers’ defensive coordinator this offseason. That familiarity likely played a major role in Green Bay targeting both players.

Not only do they fit Gannon’s defensive philosophy, but they can also help accelerate the transition for the rest of the defense.

That matters for a Packers team that badly needs defensive improvement after inconsistent performances over the past two seasons.

If Green Bay’s defense can take a major step forward in 2026, the additions of Franklin and Hargrave may ultimately be remembered as some of the most important moves of the offseason, not because of flashy headlines, but because of the maturity, leadership, and experience they bring to a young roster trying to become a championship team.