Browns agree to deal with Takkarist McKinley

The Cleveland Browns have agreed to a one-year deal with the free agent defensive end.

In need of some depth, the Cleveland Browns agreed to terms on a one-year deal with Takkarist McKinley. The free agent defensive end can make up to $6 million with a base salary of $4.25 million.

What must be considered with Takkarist McKinley is that he cannot be their starting defensive end opposite Myles Garrett. McKinley can be a fine rotational/situational player, but he has not lived up to his status as a first round pick. Cleveland needs to add another end or edge rusher to compliment McKinley in order for this deal to make the most sense. As of now this seems to be a replacement for what the Browns had in Adrian Clayborn last season.

While there have been flashes of impressive play from Takkarist McKinley, but injuries and inconsistent play have interfered. McKinley was claimed off waivers by two teams last season with failed physicals along the way. The Raiders were the third and final team to claim McKinley last season, placing him on injured reserve late in the season.

Takkarist McKinley has 79 total tackles (53 solo) in 49 career games (25 starts). McKinley’s 17.5 career sacks is what is appealing, however 13 of them came in his first two seasons. Due to injuries and a team changing carousel McKinley only appeared in four games for Atlanta last season.