Giants signing safety Jalen Mills after Xavier McKinney departure

The Giants needed a safety once Xavier McKinney left for big money from the Packers, and they found one Tuesday for not much money, agreeing to terms with veteran Jalen Mills.

The Giants and their fans are familiar with Mills, 29, as he played his first five NFL seasons with the Eagles.

He was called the “Green Goblin’’ for his bright green-dyed hair.

Mills spent the past three seasons with the Patriots, and he played all 17 games in 2023, starting eight games.

Mills won a Super Bowl with the Eagles following the 2017 season.

This is not a clear swap, McKinney out and Mills in, as these are not comparable players.

McKinney, 24, had his sights set on a huge contract, and he got one with a four-year deal worth $68 million from the Packers.

The Giants valued McKinney as a player but did not want to invest big bucks into the position.

Mills received a one-year, veteran salary benefit contract for $1.2 million. He will count $985,000 on the 2024 salary cap.

Mills, a 2016 seventh-round pick out of LSU, started his NFL career as a cornerback. He is a versatile addition to a defensive backfield.

The Giants also added a wide receiver, agreeing to terms with Isaiah McKenzie on a one-year veteran salary benefit contract for $1.2 million.

Like Mills, McKenzie will count $985,000 on the 2024 salary cap.

McKenzie, 28, has experience in Brian Daboll’s system, having spent four seasons in Buffalo when Daboll was the offensive coordinator.

McKenzie in 2022 had 42 receptions for 423 yards and four touchdowns for the Bills, with Daboll already moved on to the Giants.

Last season, McKenzie caught 11 passes for 82 yards for the Colts. He also has experience as a kickoff and punt returner.

The Giants have Jason Pinnock returning as a starting safety and might be interested in giving Dane Belton, entering his third year, increased playing time. Mills will fit into the mix somewhere. He has played in 106 games, starting 83, and has seven career interceptions