Baltimore Ravens will likely try to trade Bryant McKinnie

Baltimore Ravens tackle Bryant McKinnie (78) against the Denver Broncos during the AFC divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

After acquiring Eugene Monroe to be their new starting LT, the Baltimore Ravens are expected to try and trade Bryant McKinnie, and it’s a move that is really an obvious one for the Ravens to make. According to league sources close to ace Baltimore Sun reporter Aaron Wilson, the Baltimore Ravens “are expected” to attempt to trade Bryant McKinnie, and it will be interesting to see if there are any takers. Since the Arizona Cardinals were able to unload Levi Brown and his contract for something to the Pittsburgh Steelers, I would presume that a more established two-year rental like McKinnie would garner some interest and net something in return.

McKinnie was a disappointment for the Ravens through the first four weeks of the season, and he was the biggest underachiever on an offensive line that just wasn’t holding up its end. A headcase due to constant weight issues and partying troubles, the Ravens decision to acquire a high-level left tackle in Eugene Monroe essentially spelled the end for McKinnie’s time in Baltimore.

So where does McKinnie fit? If contenders in the Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers are serious about replacing injured starters, then I could see them swinging a deal. I doubt it, though, since the Packers are likely content with not trading for a guy like McKinnie (or making a trade in general), whereas the Seahawks have no use for McKinnie once star Russell Okung comes back from the short-term I.R. While those two teams are options for the Baltimore Ravens, I wouldn’t count them as serious suitors for those reasons.

The Ravens will have to end up keeping Bryant McKinnie if they can’t swing a deal, and I think they are going to be far more aggressive in trying to deal the veteran than the Baltimore Sun is letting off. The way I see it, the Ravens clearly don’t need McKinnie, and they are much better off dealing him after acquiring a sure-fire franchise LT in Eugene Monroe. I highly doubt the Ravens get much for McKinnie, but they should be able to find a willing trade partner at some point.

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