The Baltimore Ravens likely saw the last of offensive tackle (OT) Bryant McKinnie. On Wednesday, CBS Sports Jason La Canfora reported that they do not expect to sign McKinnie to a new deal before the start of free agency on March 13.
McKinnie became a Raven 2011 after playing for the Minnesota Vikings. He was a starter in 2011, but in 2012 he spent most of the season sitting on the sidelines until injuries gave him time on the field.
He had a rocky start to the 2012 season. In June he missed the team’s OTAs, then he missed most of training camp in August claiming that he suffered a lower back injury at home in Florida.
When he finally showed up to training camp, he was overweight and there was concern he wouldn’t pass his conditioning test.
Thankfully for the Ravens he got his act together and did a spectacular job protecting quarterback Joe Flacco in the playoffs and the Super Bowl.
The Ravens will either test the free market or take their chances finding an offensive tackle during the 2013 NFL Draft. This year’s draft class is stacked with OTs.
Right now the Ravens are most concerned with ironing out a new deal with Flacco and linebacker Dannell Ellerbe.
The news wasn’t surprising since the Ravens had issues with McKinnie early last season. I have complete faith in their ability to fill McKinnie’s vacancy with another veteran player or shop around for new blood in the draft.
While he shined in the playoffs, there’s no telling if McKinnie will have new issues this off season and the Ravens are wise to steer clear of any potential problems.
Zennie Abraham