5 players Seahawks could target before the trade deadline
By Geoff Shull
Trade target: Takkarist McKinley, DE
This is a buy low opportunity on a high upside player. The Falcons are underperforming to the point that both the head coach and GM were just fired. The team has a handful of very expensive veterans on its roster and should be looking toward a rebuild.
This brings me to Takkarist McKinley. McKinley is a highly athletic edge rusher and just 24 years of age. He is currently in the last year of his rookie contract as the Falcons elected to not pick up his 5th year option.
McKinley is the type of athlete that the Seahawks are missing with Bruce Irvin out for the year. He has been a menace when given opportunities this season. Problem is, he isn’t getting a lot of those. This season he has a QB pressure rate of 27.3%. That is the highest rate in the NFL with at least 15 attempts.
He has been highly effective. Perhaps the new GM and coach chose to finally start fully utilizing him. Or perhaps they see a trade chip to get some draft capital back before the end of the season. Regardless, Seattle would be foolish not to call and see what could be done here.
This trade would offer both teams what they need. Seattle would get a player who appears to be beaming for a breakout and help solidify their defensive line. The Falcons get some draft capital to help with their rebuild. If McKinley left after the season in free agency, Seattle could likely recoup a comp pick if he performs well.
It is yet to be seen, however, what the new leadership group will do now with the changes that were set into motion. This will truly be something to monitor over the next couple of weeks.