Ex-Michigan State DL Malik McDowell arrested on charges of public exposure, assaulting deputy

Malik McDowell's big chance with the Cleveland Browns has almost certainly ended.

The former Michigan State football defensive tackle with a long history of off-field trouble is highly unlikely to be retained as an exclusive rights free agent in March because of his latest brush with the law, a person familiar with the situation said Tuesday.

McDowell, 25, was arrested Monday by the Broward Sheriff’s Office on charges of exposing himself in public, resisting arrest with violence and battery on a law enforcement officer in Deerfield Beach, Florida, according to court records.

The South Florida Sun Sentinel first reported the arrest.

The Browns will continue to gather facts surrounding the arrest, the person familiar with the situation said, but the incident is expected to result in the franchise moving on from McDowell. His contract with the Browns will officially expire on March 16, when free agency begins.

[ From 2019: Malik McDowell's dreams crashed on his ATV: 'He's not the same person' ] 

“We are aware of the very concerning incident and arrest involving Malik McDowell and are in the process of gathering more information," a Browns spokesperson said Tuesday in a prepared statement. "We understand the severity of this matter and our thoughts are for the well-being of all involved. We will have no further comment at this time.”

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McDowell's NFL career came to an abrupt stop in 2017 before it began. Drafted 35th overall by the Seattle Seahawks out of Michigan State University, McDowell suffered serious injuries, including to his head, in an ATV accident in July 2017 and subsequently committed a seris of crimes to which he eventually pleaded guilty.

Three of his arrests involved alcohol, including one during which he assaulted a police officer at a gas station. Another arrest stemmed from him possessing a stolen truck. He was sentenced to 11 months in jail and three years of probation in 2019.

Despite McDowell being out of football for four years, the Browns researched him and ultimately gave him a shot to resurrect his career by signing him in March 2021.

McDowell started 14 of the 15 games in which he appeared during the 2021 season and compiled 33 tackles, three sacks and five quarterback hits.

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Nate Ulrich can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com.