Baltimore Ravens left tackle Bryant McKinnie, who was instrumental in the team’s run to a Super Bowl XLVII victory, is another of the team’s key veteran free agents.
While the team has already lost a number of starters to free agency – Ed Reed, Paul Kruger, Dannell Ellerbe, and Cary Williams – to retirement – Matt Birk and Ray Lewis – or to cut/trade – Anquan Boldin and Bernard Pollard – it would seem to make sense for the team to hold on to McKinnie, at least on paper.
After signing quarterback Joe Flacco to a six-year. $120.6 M contract, you would think that the Ravens would be wise to invest in the protection of his blind side (and no, not by Michael Oher, thank you).
McKinnie, though, comes with his own set of issues, including a questionable work ethic and past problems with staying in shape.
Still, as soon as McKinnie was inserted into the starting lineup, the Ravens saw improvement at the OL in two positions, according to our own Ken McKusick (some will say three positions, but I’ll stick with the analysis of the guy who goes by “FILMSTUDY.”)
Since the Super Bowl, there has been little-to-no progress between McKinnie and the team. However, they have at least now been in contact.
According to WNST’s Luke Jones, McKinnie said he’s been receiving the most interest from the New Orleans Saints.
Last night, McKinnie posted the following to his Twitter account:
For those unfamiliar with The Twitters, I’ll explain what happened there.
Bryant McKinnie tweeted that he “Just got off the phone with Coach Harbs.”
Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith then responded to that tweet with one of his own, saying “SIGN WITH US.”
McKinnie replied to Smith that “lol we’ll see.”
Riveting stuff, I know.
McKinnie has stated that he has no interest in taking a discount to stay in Baltimore. With the departures of his fellow “U” alum Lewis and Reed, that stance has surely been solidified.
Do you want the Ravens to keep McKinnie around? Or should they focus on a longer-term solution than the 33-year old?
