NFL players have voted Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney to No. 70 and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson to No. 69 in the league’s 2026 “Top 100 Players” rankings. The list reflects significant movement for both stars following their respective 2025 performances and shifting team dynamics.
Lamar Jackson’s Descent in the 2026 Rankings
Lamar Jackson saw a sharp decline in the annual player-voted rankings, falling to 69th place after holding the No. 2 spot in 2025. He also absorbed 36 sacks, the second-highest total of his career.
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The transition in Baltimore’s leadership structure remains a focal point for his potential recovery. With the departure of long-tenured staff, the team has installed a new head coach, Jesse Minter, and a new offensive coordinator, Declan Doyle. As Jackson approaches age 29, the organization faces mounting pressure to maximize his prime years after repeated postseason exits.
Xavier McKinney’s Second-Year Impact in Green Bay
Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney secured the No. 70 spot on the list, marking his second consecutive appearance. While his counting stats dipped from an eight-interception 2024 campaign, his efficiency remained high.
McKinney’s performance in the 2025 season included 107 tackles and a career-best 82.5 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus. He is the first Packers defensive back to earn consecutive All-Pro honors since Hall of Famer Charles Woodson.
Contractual Stakes and Salary Cap Outlook
Financial considerations loom large for the Packers regarding McKinney’s future. He is signed through 2027, a year in which his salary cap hit is slated to reach $24.8 million. This figure places him among the highest-paid safeties in the league, alongside players like Kyle Hamilton and Antoine Winfield Jr.
Given the rising costs of top-tier defensive backs, industry observers anticipate the Packers may pursue a contract restructure or a short-term extension to manage his cap impact. His current defensive consistency, highlighted by limiting opposing quarterbacks to a 57.5 percent completion rate, provides the team with leverage to justify the investment as they navigate their roster through 2027.
Packers Players on the 2026 Top 100 List
McKinney is part of a trio of Green Bay players featured in the current rankings release.
| Player | Position | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Xavier McKinney | Safety | 70 |
| Jordan Love | Quarterback | 72 |
| Josh Jacobs | Running Back | 74 |
The inclusion of Jordan Love at No. 72 follows a season where he recorded a career-high 85.1 QB Impact Score.
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