The Atlanta Falcons officially released Outside Linebacker and Defensive End Takkarist (Takk) McKinley. He spent four years in Atlanta including up to this point in the 2020 season. Hours after the release, the Cincinnati Bengals signed him. The 2017 first-round pick spoke out often on social media about his grievances with the Falcons’ organization.
McKinley, as he expresses above, definitely underperformed in his first three years with the Falcons. That, among several other glaring issues, aided the Falcons’ woeful 0-5 start. After their fifth loss, the Falcons’ front office fired their Head Coach, Dan Quinn, as well as their General Manager, Thomas Dimitroff. Since then, they have gone 3-1 and are tied for third in the NFC South.
McKinley Wants Out and Twitter Wants In
Despite the Falcons’ recent success, McKinley insisted on a trade. As a result of his tweets, the Falcons released him and the Bengals consequently added him. “Takk will definitely be held accountable for his actions and everything that goes with it,” Falcons’ interim Head Coach Raheem Morris told reporters. Twitter was quick to jump at the disgruntled defensive player calling himself out.
After the 3-6 Falcons’ released him, McKinley was signed by 2-5-1 Cincinnati Bengals. This seems to be a slight downgrade as the Bengals play in one of the toughest divisions in football this year. Because of this, many Twitter users chose to go after Takk McKinley for his new signing.
Some even go as far as agreeing with McKinley on his lack of production.
Either way, Takk McKinley has found a new home in Cincinnati. Whether that is an upgrade or a downgrade for him, he will be doing his best to make plays in an orange and black uniform. In his career, he accounts for 53 solo tackles, 17.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. Bengals fans hope he will produce more in the next few games than he did with the Falcons… and that he will stay off of Twitter for a little while.
