Browns Sign Troubled former Seahawks DT Malik McDowell

The Cleveland Browns have signed former Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Malik McDowell, the team announced on Monday, potentially adding a talented player to their defensive line if his stint in Cleveland goes better than his one in Cleveland.


Drafted in the second round by the Seahawks in 2017, but he never played a game for the team.

McDowell suffered a head injury in an ATV accident in July of 2017 and was placed on the non-football injury list by Seattle. He was then arrested for DUI in September and disorderly conduct in December. In February 2019, McDowell was arrested and charged with assault, resisting arrest and operating a vehicle while intoxicated in Michigan.

In March, the Seahawks released McDowell and eventually sued to force him to repay nearly $800,000 of his signing bonus.

In April 2019, McDowell was arrested once again and charged with receiving and concealing stolen property after being found in possession of a stolen truck. He pled guilty to all charges and was sentenced to 11 months in prison. McDowell served a two-week NFL suspension in 2019.

If McDowell can keep his troubles in his past, he could be a solid contributor for Cleveland. In three seasons with Michigan State, he racked up 7.5 sacks and 24.5 tackles for loss from the defensive tackle position.