Former Michigan State DT Malik McDowell signs with NFL team for 2021
Malik McDowell is getting another shot at the NFL.
The former Michigan State defensive tackle was originally a second-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. The Seattle Seahawks selected McDowell with the No. 35 overall pick after a strong college career.
Unfortunately, McDowell has yet to appear in an NFL game since coming out of college. He missed the 2017 season after an ATV accident and has missed other seasons due to multiple arrests.
However, McDowell is indeed getting another shot to make it in the NFL. On Monday afternoon, the Cleveland Browns announced they were signing McDowell as a free agent.
Cleveland GM Andrew Berry also commented on McDowell’s past via press release:
“We are certainly aware of Malik’s past, as we have done extensive work on him for the last two months,” Browns EVP of Football Operations and GM Andrew Berry said. “He is accountable for his actions and has had to live with the consequences for decisions earlier in his life. We believe Malik is in a good place, personally and medically. He has taken the necessary steps to get on a healthy path, and has learned from his experiences. Malik understands the expectations we have of him as he attempts to make our football team. He is committed to taking advantage of the support network in place to become the best version of himself—both on and off the field—and we will support him as he attempts to make his return to football.”
The 6-foot-6 McDowell finished his three-year career for the Spartans with 88 total tackles, 24.5 TFL, and 7.5 sacks. Hopefully, a chance in Cleveland is able to provide a clean start for McDowell’s shot at the NFL.
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— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) May 3, 2021