The New York Jets are facing a challenge as their pass rusher Haason Reddick is holding out due to contract issues. To address this, the team has signed Takkarist McKinley, a former first-round pick, to fill in for Reddick. McKinley, 28, was originally drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 2017 after playing college football at UCLA. During his time with the Falcons, he accumulated 79 combined tackles, 17.5 sacks, and 22 tackles for loss in 49 games.
In 2020, McKinley requested a trade from the Falcons and was subsequently released. Despite garnering interest from multiple teams, he did not see much playing time that season due to injury. He then joined the Cleveland Browns in 2021, where he recorded 18 combined tackles and 2.5 sacks in 11 games.
After a brief stint with the Los Angeles Rams, McKinley signed a one-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys in March, only to be released earlier this month. With 98 combined tackles and 20 sacks in 64 career games, McKinley brings experience and talent to the Jets’ defense.
Joining a team with a strong defensive lineup that includes players like Jermaine Johnson II and Quinnen Williams, McKinley has the opportunity to make an impact and contribute to one of the best defenses in the NFL. His signing adds depth to the Jets’ edge rusher position and gives the team more options as they navigate Reddick’s holdout.
Overall, McKinley’s addition to the Jets’ roster provides a fresh opportunity for the talented defensive end to showcase his skills and make a significant contribution to his new team. As he settles in with the Jets, fans will be eager to see how he performs on the field and helps bolster the team’s defense.