Bryant

McKinnie

The Vikings failed to pass protect well without the two last week. Their return would be a nice boost for the whole offense.

If “Mount McKinnie” isn’t extended by the Vikes, he’ll enter an impressive market for left tackles next year. Bengals T Levi Jones, Leonard Davis of the Cardinals, and the Bills’ Mike Gandy are also due to become free agents.

The guaranteed money is a league record for offensive linemen. “Mount McKinnie” can earn up to $53.5 million and will receive over $17.3 million in 2006 alone. By signing Steve Hutchinson and McKinnie before the season, the left side of Minnesota’s line is locked up through 2012.

Due a $500,000 roster bonus on Sunday, McKinnie had been a candidate for release. McKinnie had a poor 2011, but is due a manageable $3.2 million. A lack of compelling alternatives on the open market likely helped his cause.

McKinnie is attending only “some” of the Ravens’ voluntary workouts, but is apparently holding fast on his pledge to stay in shape. McKinnie finished 2011 at 360 pounds after reporting to camp at near 400, but the Ravens want him to shed additional weight.

McKinnie hasn’t added any weight this offseason, but the Ravens want him to “be able to move better and be a little quicker.” McKinnie was cut by the Vikings last summer after showing up to camp near 400 pounds. McKinnie is locked in as Joe Flacco’s blindside protector this season after the Ravens recently exercised his $500,000 roster bonus, but he isn’t signed beyond 2012.

McKinnie worked his way into playing shape last season, but was a liability in run blocking and finished as a below-average left tackle in Pro Football Focus’ 2011 rankings. The Ravens have until March 18 to decide whether to pay McKinnie’s $500,000 roster bonus.

The Ravens exercised McKinnie’s $500,000 roster bonus in March despite his history of weight issues and liabilities in run blocking. Due a manageable $3.2 million, he’ll return as Joe Flacco’s blindside protector, but won’t be guaranteed a commitment beyond this season.

The Ravens weren’t thrilled with McKinnie’s run blocking last season, and they went as far as to schedule a visit with free agent Eric Winston. The bonus locks McKinnie in as Joe Flacco’s blindside protector for one more season while eliminating the need for Winston.

McKinnie is entering the last year of his deal and may be aiming for his final NFL contract going on age 33, so he’s taking things seriously. Close to 400 pounds when he was cut by the Vikings last summer, McKinnie currently weighs 365 and is aiming to shed 15 more lbs. “That would be that perfect weight, because when you get too light people start pushing you around,” McKinnie said.