Dawg Pound Daily
FanSided

5 players Cleveland Browns need to re-sign in 2022

By Eddie McDonald

Sep 19, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns kicker Chase McLaughlin (3) kicks a field goal from the hold of punter Jamie Gillan (7) during the second half against the Houston Texans at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns kicker Chase McLaughlin (3) kicks a field goal from the hold of punter Jamie Gillan (7) during the second half against the Houston Texans at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
Cleveland Browns
Oct 31, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Malik McDowell (58) celebrates after sacking Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (not pictured) during the first half at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Player No. 3 for Cleveland Browns to re-sign: Malik McDowell

The story of Malik McDowell is one of the most underrated, remarkable stories in the entire NFL for the 2021 season.

The 25-year old rookie, yes you read that correctly, rookie, has been making the most of his second chance at a football life.

McDowell was drafted with the 35th pick in the 2017 draft by the Seattle Seahawks out of Michigan State. In 2021, he finally was able to be on the field after a string of off-field issues.

Weeks prior to the start of training camp, McDowell was involved in an ATV accident. This sidelined McDowell for the summer due to the injuries he sustained. In September of that year, things got worse for McDowell.

On September 22, 2017, McDowell was arrested for DUI. In December of that same year, he was arrested for disorderly conduct. In July of 2018, Seattle waived him. In February of 2019, he was yet again arrested as he got into an altercation with police in Lathrup Village, Michigan. HE pled guilty to all charges and was sentenced to 11-months in prison, which is where he regained his love for football.

On May 3rd of 2021, Berry took a gamble on McDowell, who possesses a ton of raw, untapped potential. He was a long shot to make the 53-man roster, but by the end of the summer, despite missing some time due to personal reasons, he did indeed make the roster.

He has made the most of his second chance in football, as he has started all 12 games for the Browns this season. He has flashed the skillset the Seahawks saw in him coming out of East Lansing.

On the season, he has three sacks, which is third on the team, 26 total tackles, six tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, and six pressures. He has shown he can be a force in the run-stopping game and has played in 67 percent of all defensive snaps.

McDowell likely won’t command a huge contract, but Berry should bring him back at least for next season as the Browns need help as the defensive line position. McDowell is only 25, so he is still relatively young, learning the NFL way.

Home/Browns Free Agency