Though it’s early in NFL free agency, the Las Vegas Raiders are losing out on several of their own players from 2020, with Takkarist McKinley being the latest.
Raider Nation has been through a roller coaster of emotions here in the early going of NFL free agency. The team made a splash when they signed Yannick Ngakoue, an upper-tier edge rusher. This was a key addition when you consider how ineffective the Raiders’ pass rush was in 2020 under Paul Guenther.
Takkarist McKinley joined Las Vegas in the middle of the 2020 season. However, the former UCLA Bruin never played in a game for the Silver and Black last season. Instead, it appeared he might get a shot to make an impact alongside another veteran, Vic Beasley, in 2021.
Comp update: Takk McKinley done with Cleveland, 1-yr $4.25M base value and up to $6M. Signed to play opposite Myles Garrett. https://t.co/LIalf34GPs
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2021
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McKinley WIill Get His Shot in 2021 But Not With The Raiders
As per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, McKinley was signed by the Cleveland Browns on a one-year deal that’ll be worth up to $6 million. It might end up being the opportunity that kickstart McKinley’s career after a tumultuous exit from the team that drafted him in the Atlanta Falcons. He’ll be playing alongside Myles Garrett, playing opposite of him in 2021 which could help the Browns maintain their momentum from 2020 after an unexpected playoff run.
As for the Raiders, it’s still too early to tell what they’ll do as far as edge rushers go. Ngakoue is the big catch so it wouldn’t be a surprise if they forgo drafting another defensive end next month. We’ll have to wait and see what the Raiders’ brain trust has in store this offseason given their recent actions.
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*Top Photo Courtesy of Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Raiders