Takkarist McKinley, Atlanta Falcons. (Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports)
The San Francisco 49ers are hoping to add to their pass rush with DE Takk McKinley
Less than a week after claiming Takk McKinley off waivers, the Cincinnati Bengals have parted ways with him. Now, he’ll hope this waiver wire selection will be sticking for long.
The San Francisco 49ers claimed the former Atlanta defensive end off waivers Wednesday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Falcons parted ways with McKinley earlier this month after several tweets pushed him into hot water.
McKinley was initially claimed by the Bengals after their trade of Carlos Dunlap to the Seahawks. Unfortunately for the former 26th overall pick, a failed physical led to him being placed on waivers. Then again, McKinley never seemed a fan of joining a struggling franchise like Cincinnati.
What does McKinley add to the struggling 49ers?
At 4-6, the 49ers’ season is on life support out in the Bay. One of the biggest concerns this season has been their inability to expand their pass rush. In 10 games this season, San Francisco ranks 21st in sacks with 18.
McKinley has never hit as the star pass rusher from UCLA he was dubbed in 2017. The 6-2 defender tallied 79 career tackles 17.5 sacks and 45 quarterback hits in 45 games. His best season came in 2018 in which he tallied 15 tackles and seven total sacks. This season in four games, McKinley collected eight total tackles, seven quarterback hits this and a sack.
The 49ers are on a bye week before having a divisional showdown against the Rams. Barring a setback with the physical, McKinley should be active in time to add depth to the defensive line. At this point in his career, it’s clear his role is best used as a rotational depth piece as he looks to finish the year off strong before contract negotiations in the spring of 2021.