Browns free agent Takk McKinley visits Dallas, headed to Arizona next

Takk McKinley spent 2021 with the Cleveland Browns but could be playing elsewhere in 2022 as he’s drawn interest from the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals

After trying to land him a couple of times during the 2020 season, the Cleveland Browns were able to bring in Takk McKinley last year. As a rotational defensive end, the former first-round pick had 18 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 14 quarterback pressures.

His season came to an end in Week 15 when he suffered a ruptured Achilles, an injury that has kept him off the radar for most of the offseason.

Recently, that’s been changing as there were rumors the Browns could be interested in a reunion with McKinley. That never seemed to materialize and now other clubs are showing interest as he recently visited with the Dallas Cowboys and will now head to the Arizona Cardinals for a workout.

The Cowboys have some insider information when it comes to McKinley since Dan Quinn is their current defensive coordinator. Before his stop in Dallas, Quinn was the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, the franchise that selected him 26th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Dallas also apparently believes he’s further ahead in his recovery than Malik Hooker was at this time last year — and they ended up signing Hooker, who is slated to be their starting free safety this season. There’s also a need for pass rush help there since Randy Gregory signed with the Denver Broncos in free agency.

Arizona also needs playmakers on the edge after losing Chandler Jones to the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency. With Jones out, the Cards will lean on Markus Golden and Devon Kennard as their top EDGE players.

McKinley appears to be taking his time in making a decision as he’s decided to complete his visits, even with the first going well in Big D.