Cleveland Browns could look to reunite with Takk McKinley

Takk McKinley played well for the Cleveland Browns before rupturing his Achilles. As he works his way back to health, there are whispers of a reunion.

In 2021, the Cleveland Browns put together an impressive trio of defensive ends when they added Jadeveon Clowney and Takkarist McKinley to play alongside Myles Garrett. This unit was a couple of years in the making, and proved to be well worth the wait.

During the 2020 offseason, the Browns tried to sign Clowney, but to no avail. They also tried to claim McKinley more than once on waivers that season, but again had no luck. Then in the offseason, they signed each to a one-year deal and had two No. 1 overall picks starting and a former first-rounder backing them up.

McKinley didn’t put up insane numbers but he did have 18 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 14 quarterback pressures in 11 games before rupturing his Achilles. Now on the mend, there are reports he’s working harder than ever and there’s a possibility Cleveland and McKinley could decide to work together again in 2022.

Cleveland Browns focused on harassing the quarterback

The Browns already brought back Clowney for another season and added Chase Winovich — a linebacker who can also play on the edge, and rookie Alex Wright. They also have some potentially dangerous interior pass rushers in Perrion Winfrey and Taven Bryan.

Should McKinley come back, it would be one of the more impressive pass-rushing units in the NFL. The one issue that would remain, however, would be their susceptibility to the run up the middle.

Last year, Cleveland struggled in this area and once again, they did little to shore up the middle of their line with run-stuffers. With it being a passing league, they’re clearly banking on shutting down the quarterback this season.

Adding McKinley would definitely help in this area.