Detroit Lions should take a flier on edge rusher Takkarist McKinley

The Detroit Lions should consider adding edge rusher Takk McKinley.

After losing their top overall defender in Trey Flowers to injury, the Detroit Lions should consider adding the recently released edge rusher, Takkarist McKinley.  General manager Bob Quinn recently traded a sixth-round pick to Dallas Cowboys for veteran defensive end Everson Griffen.

The timing could not have been worse.

At the time of the deal, the Lions were coming off of back-to-back victories producing back a 3-3 record with their sights on making a playoff run.  Detroit had been heading into a very winnable stretch of their schedule with a chance to make some noise in the NFC North.  Griffen was expected to be a rotational end with primarily Romeo Okwara but is forced into every-down duty with Flowers absent.

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Instead of making noise, the Lions have dropped two straight along with losing a host of players to injury.  Along with Flowers, Detroit is also without Jarrad Davis, Julian Okwara, Darryl Roberts, Tony McRae, and star receiver Kenny Golladay.  I’ve gone from being optimistic and excited to disgruntled and disappointed.

The Lions defense is in complete shambles, they’ve stunk under head coach Matt Patricia.  At this point, Detroit should be willing to take a chance on anyone.

McKinley, a former first-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons in 2017 became disgruntled this past spring when the organization decided not to pick up his fifth-year option.  You may recall McKinley carrying a photo of his late grandmother to the stage after being selected 26th overall.  McKinley promised his grandmother he’d make the NFL, so he brought her photo on stage with him as he shook commissioner Roger Goodell’s hand.

Things have gone south for McKinley and his relationship with the Falcons leading to his release.  After not picking up his option the former first-rounder requested a trade but wasn’t happy with the progress and like many do in the modern era, took to social media to air his dirty laundry.

https://twitter.com/Takk/status/1324012384596406275?s=20

Over three and a half years McKinley has recorded 19 sacks according to Pro Football Focus (PFF).  He’s also compiled a solid 69.8 overall rating in 2020, the best thus far in his young career.  Takk has maintained a 69.7 rating defending the run, along with a 63.6 pass-rush rating.

At just 25-years old, McKinley is worth taking a flier on, and someone the Lions should place a waiver claim on.