The Atlanta Falcons have declined the fifth-year contract option on defensive end Takkarist McKinley.
McKinley, the 26th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, now will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2020 season. He is due to make $1,858,200 this season in what is now the final year of his rookie deal.
The team said in a statement that they 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."
Falcons coach Dan Quinn initially said the team would not pick up McKinley's option when asked about it during the NFL combine.