NFL defensive lineman Malik McDowell just pled guilty to charges in his violent cop fighting case ... but there's a chance he won't spend any more time behind bars.
McDowell -- a 2017 Seattle Seahawks second-round pick -- was busted back in February in Lathrup Village, Mich. after a traffic stop turned with a cop turned violent.
McDowell was pulled over at a gas station after cops say he was speeding and driving recklessly ... but when he refused to cooperate with one of the officer's commands, a brawl ensued inside the convenience store.
You can see in video, obtained by TMZ Sports .