While Aaron Rodgers might have been absent, the New York Jets still managed to get some work in at their mandatory minicamp this week.
And they also attempted to improve their roster, signing former first-round pick Takkarist McKinley.
Originally selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the UCLA product’s career has been plagued by injuries. After appearing in 49 games in four seasons with the Falcons, he signed a one-year deal with the Cleveland Browns and got off to a promising start with 2.5 sacks and eight quarterback hits before suffering a season-ending torn Achilles 11 games into the 2021 campaign.
In the years since, the 28-year-old McKinley has spent time with the Tennessee Titans, Los Angeles Rams and Dallas Cowboys before signing with the Jets following an offseason tryout. His most recent NFL action came during the 2022 season, in which he recorded one tackle in four games with the Rams.
In New York, McKinley will look to help bolster a Jets pass rush that currently includes Haason Reddick and Jermaine Johnson II. Like Rodgers, Reddick — who was acquired in an offseason trade with the Philadelphia Eagles — was absent from this week’s minicamp as the two-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher enters the final season of his contract.
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.