The Cleveland Browns spent most of the offseason revamping the offense while bringing back a majority of the defense from last year. Retaining DE Jadeveon Clowney and LB Anthony Walker Jr. while getting a long-term extension with CB Denzel Ward were the highest priorities.
The team also spent a lot of their draft capital on the defensive side of the ball, drafting CB Martin (MJ) Emerson, DE Alex Wright and DT Perrion Winfrey with three of their first four selections.
The biggest veteran addition on that side of the ball was DE Chase Winovich. The Browns traded LB Mack Wilson to the New England Patriots in exchange for the former Michigan star. Winovich’s role was to replace what DE Takk McKinley gave the team before he got injured.
McKinley played well for Cleveland in his 11 games. He had 2.5 sacks, eight QB hits, three tackles for loss and a forced fumble. His late-season Achilles injury could keep him out much of the season, a Cam Akers-like return seems unlikely, but he could help the team down the final stretch:
Source: Takkarist McKinley is doing great rehab-wise. I'm told he has "transformed his body and is on a mission to be an impact player this season."
Mutual interest exists between Takk & #Browns. The Plan, as of now, is to join a team during camp if possible, or during season.
— Brad Stainbrook (@StainbrookNFL) July 15, 2022
Currently, Cleveland has 88 players signed to their 90-man roster with rookie DT Perrion Winfrey yet to sign his contract. Perhaps McKinley fills that final roster spot before training camp so he can start working out with the team in advance of his return.
