Cleveland Browns rumors: Team tried to claim Takk McKinley

The Cleveland Browns tried to claim Takk McKinley from the Falcons

What could’ve been? The Cleveland Browns put in a waiver claim for Atlanta Falcons pass rusher Takk McKinley, but the Cincinnati Bengals ended up winning out.

The Raiders and 49ers also put a claim on McKinley, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rappoport.

McKinley complied 17.5 career sacks since being taken in the first round of the 2017 draft. His relationship with the Falcons quickly soured. McKinley tweeted that the Falcons were offered a second-round pick when he requested a trade last season. They’ve could’ve gotten as much as a fifth- or sixth-round pick this season.

Alas, the Falcons never pulled the trigger and the McKinley saga ends with the team putting their former first-round pick on waivers.

The Browns interest shouldn’t come as a surprise. Save for a two-sack effort from Olivier Vernon before the Bye, Myles Garrett wasn’t getting any help from his fellow down linemen.

The Browns current list of defensive ends include Adrian Clayborn and Porter Gustin. Clayborn was signed as someone who could come off the bench and provide pressure with an occasional sack. He has two quarterback takedowns that came during the first two weeks of the season. He hasn’t recorded a quarterback hit since, according to pro-football reference.

Gustin’s best games came in Week 2 and Week 8, against Cincinnati and Las Vegas, respectively. Unfortunately, there’s too big of a gap in terms of production.

Unless another player becomes available, the Browns are going to have to make due with what they have and pray Myles Garrett doesn’t get hurt.

Look for an edge rusher in the first round of the draft, though, as the Browns are expected to invest heavily on the defensive side of the ball after solidifying the offense through the draft and free agency.