Bryant McKinnie joined the Ravens this week and was told he will play left tackle which means Michael Oher will return to the right side.
Bryant McKinnie Will Be Ravens LT; Michael Oher Moves Back To RT
Once the Ravens signed McKinnie, they told him he’d be playing left tackle. That meant Oher, who played right tackle as a rookie and left tackle in year two last season, would move back to the right side.
For his part, Oher says he’s got no problem with the switch.
Read Article >Bryant McKinnie, Baltimore Ravens Reach Agreement On Contract
No word yet on the money involved or the length of the contract. He was reportedly looking for about $2.5 million. I wouldn’t be surprised if it were a short-term deal as many of the free agents still on the market are signing one-year deals in order to try again at free agency next year.
The reason I think this could work in Baltimore is because the Ravens are a very veteran team that has a tendency to keep some of these guys in line as far as preparing themselves physically and mentally for the season.
Read Article >Bryant McKinnie Reportedly Drawing Interest From Baltimore Ravens
A team may be more interested in signing McKinnie after the first week of the season so his entire 2011 salary won’t be guaranteed. That, or a contract could include heavy clauses relating to his weight.
McKinnie reportedly came back to the Vikings facility out of shape and overweight so he’s not necessarily ready to step in and play immediately but if he’s in shape, he could be a heck of a bargain on the free agent market right now.
Read Article >Bryant McKinnie’s Agent Offers Tackle’s Services For $2.5 Million
Bonuses included, McKinnie hasn’t made that little (little!) in a season since 2003, when his cap figure reached $2.48 million.
Free agency isn’t yet over by any means, and teams are finding out that their players are arriving for camp with, shall we say, injury-prone tendons and whatnot. Should a club suddenly find itself in need of a seasoned tackle, Rosenhaus might just find himself with a brand new Re: in his inbox.
Read Article >Bryant McKinnie Claims He Asked Vikings To Release Him
The Vikings have also released a statement regarding the move:
The move does give McKinnie time to sign with another team. However, it’s going to be interesting to see if anyone takes a chance on him given the health concerns.
Read Article >Bryant McKinnie Cut By Vikings, According To Reports
For more free agency news, head over to the SB Nation 2011 NFL Free Agency page. For more Vikings analysis, visit Daily Norseman.
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