Defensive end Takk McKinley, the Falcons’ first-round pick in 2017, was waived by the team Monday.
McKinley, the 26th overall pick in 2017, was fined recently by the team after questioning why he wasn’t traded on social media.
Less than a hour after being asked about McKinley’s status to return from a groin injury along with defensive end Dante Fowler, the former UCLA product was cut.
“We’ll get a lot of people back,” Falcons interim coach Raheem Morris said when asked about Fowler and McKinley. “We’ve got a bye week. We have a chance to get healthy. These guys will be in here getting their treatment.”
Nothing directly on McKinley. Shortly thereafter, McKinley was released.
He made 79 total tackles (53 solo), 23 tackles for loss, 17.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and 45 quarterback hits over four seasons with the Falcons. McKinley had eight total tackles (five solo), a sack and seven quarterback hits in four games this season.
Four picks after the Falcons drafted McKinley in 2017, the Steelers used the 30th overall pick on T.J. Watt, who has started 55 straight games and has 41.5 sacks. He’s been named a Pro Bowler twice and once as an All-Pro.
After the trade deadline passed last Tuesday, McKinley took to Twitter to voice his displeasure about still being a member of the team.
Morris said, “Takk will be held accountable” for his public comments.
McKinley missed playing time recently with a groin injury. Before the trading deadline, he announced on Twitter he would be not be traded as not team made an substantial offer.
The Falcons received some interest, but passed on offers made before Tuesday’s 4 p.m. trade deadline.
On Wednesday, McKinley confirmed he requested trades in the past two seasons. He said the team passed on offers for a second-round pick last year and fifth- and sixth-round picks this year — from multiple teams. The team refutes it received any such offers.
The Falcons never received any trade inquiries involving a second-round draft selection last season, according to multiple people with knowledge of the situation.
Although the Falcons listened to trade proposals regarding McKinley in recent weeks, the compensation never was deemed acceptable enough to the team’s liking to make a deal.
McKinley, apparently, has been unhappy for a while. He wasn’t pleased that the Falcons didn’t pick up his $10.3 million fifth-year option. The Falcons were hoping that McKinley would be motivated by not getting his option picked up. The move apparent went in a totally opposite direction.
“I think it’s immaturity,” said Morris after the trade deadline flap. “Right now, it’s just an immature way to act about the situation.”
Defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, also a captain, described a “hands off” approach to McKinley’s disagreement with the team.
“Just let that keep going, how it’s going,” Jarrett said. “I’ll let that work itself out. Clearly, there are some things that he has to work out with what he’s got going on.”
Falcons' next four games
Bye week
Falcons at Saints at 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22
Raiders at Falcons at 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29
Saints at Falcons at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6
Falcons at Los Angeles Chargers at 4:25 p.m., Dec. 13
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