Takkarist McKinley has now made two visits since the start of training camp. After trekking to Dallas, the former first-round pick ventured to Arizona for a Cardinals meeting, Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com tweets. The Arizona summit commenced Tuesday.
After four seasons in Atlanta, McKinley spent the 2021 campaign in Cleveland. He finished with 2.5 sacks with the Browns, going to northeast Ohio after a complex 2020 season that involved a few waiver claims — stemming from multiple failed physicals.
But the end of McKinley’s Browns season led to a delayed 2022 timetable. McKinley, 26, suffered a torn Achilles late last season. His multiple visits suggest a return to full strength is near. That said, McKinley’s stock has dipped since the Falcons chose him 26th overall back in 2017. Atlanta waived the UCLA product in 2020, doing so after he finished with just 4.5 sacks in his final 18 games with the franchise. Over his first two seasons, however, McKinley combined for 13 sacks.
Presently, McKinley profiles as a rotational rusher. The Cardinals let Chandler Jones walk, but they added third-round edges Myjai Sanders and Cameron Thomas. They also return Markus Golden to a pass rush that seemingly needs J.J. Watt to stay healthy, or close to it, more so than it did in 2021.
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