The Atlanta Falcons announced Wednesday that they have declined to pick up the fifth-year option for defensive end Takk McKinley.
McKinley, 24, was selected with the 26th-overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. He has played in 45 games during his three-year career with the Falcons and recorded 71 tackles, 21 tackles for a loss and 16.5 sacks. McKinley has been a key part of the Falcons' pass rush, and Atlanta added Dante Fowler in free agency to give him help off of the edge.
The Falcons released the following statement on the decision not to pick up McKinley's fifth-year option:
"We have decided to not move forward with a fifth-year option for Takk and at this time are taking a wait-and-see approach in terms of future contracts. Takk has shown the ability to produce at a high level and we look forward to his production in 2020."
