Atlanta Falcons defensive end Takkarist McKinley is motivated after having his fifth-year option declined and is determined to prove his worth this season as a former 26th overall draft selection.
The Falcons, who selected McKinley in the first round of the the 2017 draft, decided not to pick up the fifth-year option worth just over $10 million back in April. In a statement, the team said it was taking a "wait-and-see approach'' in terms of any future contract with McKinley, who managed just 3.5 sacks last season and has 16.5 sacks in 45 career games.