Raiders bolster pass rush with additions of Takk McKinley, Vic Beasley

After losing a close game to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Las Vegas Raiders added two pass rushers for a potential playoff run.

Less than 24 hours ago, the Las Vegas Raiders were less than two minutes away from sweeping the Kansas City Chiefs this season.

However, they fell victim to Patrick Mahomes magic, who hit an uncovered Travis Kelce in the end zone to walk out of the Sin City with a 35-31 victory. Even in defeat, the Raiders solidified themselves as a tough team to play in the playoffs. And they used this loss as motivation to fix one longstanding problem with the team — their pass rush.

On Monday, the Raiders added to former Atlanta Falcons edge rushers to their rotation. The Raiders claimed Takk McKinley off waivers and signed Vic Beasley to their practice squad.

Raiders making moves

McKinley never exactly panned out for the Falcons, which led the team to placing him on the trade block at the deadline earlier this month. After no takers made phone calls, the Falcons opted to waive him. From there, McKinley went on a journey.

His first stint outside of Atlanta was with the Cincinnati Bengals, who claimed him off waivers nearly two weeks ago. The move made sense, since McKinley would fill the void left by Carlos Dunlap, whom was traded to the Seattle Seahawks.

However, the Bengals waived him after failing a physical due to a groin injury. Last week, the San Francisco 49ers claimed him before waiving him shortly afterwards due to the aforementioned injury. Now, he’s heading to Las Vegas with his 17.5 career sacks. Well, for now at least.

As for Beasley, he signed with the Tennessee Titans on a one-year, $9.5 million contract, in hopes of him regaining his form from his impressive 2016 campaign (league-leading 15.5 sacks).

The signing never panned out for the Titans, as he showed up 10 days late to training camp, resulting in him being placed on the team’s non-football injury list. In five games, Beasley recorded a grand total of three tackles and one forced fumble before he was released earlier this month.

It’s no secret that the Raiders need all the help they can get off the edge.

Through 11 weeks, the Raiders have recorded 11 sacks, which is the second-fewest in the NFL, trailing the Jacksonville Jaguars (nine). Las Vegas has an offense that can give the opposition fits, as evidenced in their showing against the rival Chiefs. But if they really want to make noise, they need to get to the quarterback.

Head coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock are banking that the two former Falcons can make an impact on their defense for the final six games of the season to help them clinch a playoff berth.