Update: Former Viking Bryant McKinnie Is Headed to Ravens
By Dan Zinski
All Bryant McKinnie’s hard work getting himself into shape could soon pay off. Per a Sean Jensen tweet, the Baltimore Ravens may have interest in signing the former Viking, who was cut at the beginning of camp after reportedly showing up 50 pounds overweight and suffering from high cholesterol.
McKinnie’s agent Drew Rosenhaus recently sent out a mass email offering McKinnie’s services at the low price of $2.5 million for one year plus “reasonable incentives.” It will be interesting to see what Baltimore ends up paying McKinnie if they do indeed sign him up. Undoubtedly, McKinnie will be brought in for a work out before any decision is made. He claims he’s been working his butt off – hence my sarcastic remark in the first sentence of this post – but I’m guessing the Ravens won’t just take his word for it.
The Ravens’ interest in McKinnie is understandable given the offensive line issues they’ve already suffered this preseason. Their starting tackles Michael Oher and Oniel Cousins allowed three sacks in the preseason opener against Philadelphia, prompting John Harbaugh to shift Cousins to right guard and insert rookie Jah Reid at tackle. Reid got decent grades after his performance vs. Kansas City but Baltimore might not be ready to commit to a rookie at right tackle given their Super Bowl aspirations, hence their interest in the veteran McKinnie, who spent his entire Minnesota career at left tackle.
It’s also possible they want to push Michael Oher a little bit, and think flirting with or even signing McKinnie would get his attention. It’s either that or have Sandra Bullock stand on the sideline clapping.
Update: Sean Jensen tweets that the Ravens have signed the newly-svelte McKinnie to a deal, money and length of contract not yet known. McKinnie is reunited with former teammate Matt Birk in Baltimore. Knowing the Vikings’ luck, McKinnie will play at an all-pro level this year.