49ers claim former Falcons’ first-rounder Takk McKinley

The wait is over. The San Francisco 49ers claimed former Atlanta Falcons first-round pick Takk McKinley off waivers, per Adam Schefter. The Cincinnati Bengals initially claimed McKinley, but after he failed his physical, Takk went back on waivers. Adding McKinley gives the 49ers eight former first-round picks who have played along the defensive line this season:

Nick Bosa: 2nd, ‘19

Dion Jordan: 3rd, ‘13

Solomon Thomas: 3rd, ‘17

Ziggy Ansah: 5th, ‘13

Javon Kinlaw: 14th, ‘20

Arik Armstead, 17th, ‘15

Dee Ford, 23rd, ‘14

McKinley, 26th, ‘17

The lack of health and production have led to the Niners adding McKinley. On the season, Takk has 55 pass rushes and registered one sack and five QB hits. Four of those came Week 1 against the Seahawks, where McKinley also recorded three of his five stops. Getting McKinley in the building this weekend and time to learn the playbook before the Niners face the Rams on November 29 will be huge.

McKinley isn’t going to be a savior, but he’s a capable body, which has shown he can get after the quarterback. That’s precisely what the 49ers are looking for. The 49ers will pay McKinley roughly $765,000 for the remainder of the season. If he walks in free agency, he’ll go into their comp pick formula. It’s a low-risk, high-reward signing for a team that desperately needs edge help.