As the expression goes “everyone loves a comeback.”

Perhaps that expression is why I took some note of a New York Jets’ offseason move that is of low relative importance compared to many others; that move being the signing of edge rusher Takkarist (Takk) McKinley.

Drafted by the Atlanta Falcons with the 26th overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft, Takk McKinley quickly captured the hearts of America with a very excited post-draft interview that I strongly encourage you to check out.

"I made a promise to her and I stuck to it!"

Takk McKinley honoring his late grandmother in the 2017 Draft is what it's all about. ❤️

📺: 2022 #NFLDraft — April 28-30 on NFLN/ESPN/ABC pic.twitter.com/ILJQZU69gj

— NFL (@NFL) April 4, 2022

For those of you who don’t want to watch it, here’s quick summary:

While carrying a picture of his deceased grandmother that he brought to the draft, McKinley very passionately explained how he told her seconds before she passed away that he’d live out his dream to use football to get out of Oakland, get into a D1 school, and then get to the NFL.

If you’re looking for a reminder of what this sport means to some of these guys, this is your chance to find it.

But, alas, not all great setups have happy endings. For McKinley, his career in Atlanta was viewed rather negatively, as he was let go from the team in year 4 of his rookie contract following a tumultuous tenure with the team that he himself made clear featured requesting to be traded for over a calendar year.

Since then, McKinley has bounced around the NFL seeing scattered, if any, snaps. While he may have fulfilled the dream of making the NFL, the dream of succeeding within it seemed to be fading away.

But, hey, everyone loves a comeback. And maybe, just maybe, that comeback will be this season for the New York Jets.

And in support of that hope, McKinley has been earning some attention in camp.

It isn’t just those in the stands noticing McKinley either, with head coach Robert Saleh highlighting how his scheme might just be the perfect fit for McKinley. Specifically, Saleh highlighted the pass rushing fit and any Jets fan knows how much Saleh likes a productive pass rusher.

Robert Saleh on Takk McKinley:#Jets

"He's got an opportunity to resurrect himself. He's still young. He's a relentless worker. He possesses all the traits that we covet out of our DL. This will be the 1st opportunity for him to be in a front that just lets him rip the way we… pic.twitter.com/X4Ah5EDaVI

— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) July 27, 2024

Now the question is whether McKinley can continue to curry favor among coaches. If he can, then what a comeback story it’ll be.