Troubled Falcons DE Takk McKinley Has Joyous Reaction to Atlanta Declining His Option

The Atlanta Falcons might have been the benefactors of some tremendous offenses thanks to Matt Ryan and Julio Jones in recent years, but Dan Quinn's defenses have underwhelmed.

Part of the reason they've been so toothless is their underwhelming results in the draft, as evidenced by the stagnation of former first-round pick Takkarist McKinley. McKinley had his fifth-year option declined by the Falcons, and he isn't exactly crying himself to sleep over the decision.

McKinley, a former star at UCLA, was picked with the 26th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. He had recorded 16.5 sacks in the first three seasons of his career, but he managed just 3.5 during the 2019 campaign. His offseason mental health evaluation didn't make the Falcons any more eager to re-sign him long-term.

The signing of former Rams pass-rusher Dante Fowler and drafting defensive lineman Marlon Davidson in the second round is likely going to make McKinley think twice about re-signing. If he leaves, McKinley will join former No. 8 overall pick Vic Beasley as another edge rusher who disappointed under Quinn.

Still, some optimistic Falcons fans are hoping the contract year brings the best out of McKinley.

McKinley seems destined to play his final season in Atlanta, which could really hurt the team's chances of challenging New Orleans and Tampa Bay long term in the NFC South.