Trade for McKinnie shows the Dolphins are all in for 2013
The Miami Dolphins have traded for a 34 year old offensive tackle whose value is at an all-time low……And I could not be happier about it. The Dolphins are said to have given up a late, conditional draft pick to acquire him. The fact of the matter is that Bryant McKinnie is a beast of an offensive tackle, standing at 6 foot 8 and 360 pounds, with a pro bowl selection (2009) and a Super Bowl title (2013) to his name.
He played every snap in last year’s playoffs for the Baltimore Ravens, which earned him a two year deal. However, he came into camp out of shape and the Ravens decided to trade for Eugene Monroe and replace him in the starting lineup.
He had started the first five games of the season, but was inactive for the last two. He has never missed a game due to injury, but recently had his left knee drained. Assuming the time off has him feeling better you could see him as the Dolphins starting left tackle in Foxboro this weekend.
Jonathan Martin and Tyson Clabo have given up 14 sacks between them, which is a league high. McKinnie and Martin have contracts that extend past this season, so I expect Miami to shuffle Martin back to right tackle and insert McKinnie into the lineup immediately.
Clabo has too large of a mountain to climb now that “Mount McKinnie” is on the roster. I wonder if Miami will keep him on the roster. You can never have too many good offensive linemen, the question is whether Tyson Clabo, a 2010 pro bowler, is still viewed as one by his coaches.
Offensive line coach Jim Turner defended him at the press conference, pointing out that he was only beaten twice. I would add that it was by Mario Williams, whose 10 sacks are second most in the NFL in sacks, almost a sack and a half per game. However, the Miami Dolphins are past the point of excuses and rationalizations. (continued on page 2, CLICK HERE)