Should the Chicago Bears look at Bryant McKinnie?

By Matt Gentile

[UPDATE: Bryant McKinnie agrees to a restructured contract with the Baltimore Ravens, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.]

Veteran left tackle Bryant McKinnie could be released today after failing to restructure his contract with the Baltimore Ravens.

McKinnie was supposed to earn $3.2 million this season but was willing to take a pay cut. It appears the Ravens wanted to shed a bit more than he hoped. The one-time pro bowler told The Baltimore Sun’s Aaron Wilson that he was no longer with the team, but there has been no official announcement.

However, he also told the NFL Network’s Albert Breer that things are “not officially over yet” after getting another phone call from the Ravens.

NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport listed the New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, San Diego Chargers and Chicago Bears as possible destinations for McKinnie if he’s in fact cut.

Of course, Bears fans have already taken their voice to Twitter about getting McKinnie. It seems like a lot of fans would support the move given the lackluster preseason from J’Marcus Webb and Chris Williams.

McKinnie was a staple for the Minnesota Vikings for eight years and played for Bears offensive coordinator Mike Tice. After being cut for weight issues last summer, he was signed by the Ravens and played all 16 games at left tackle last year.

He’s shown he can still be a solid tackle in the NFL, but there is some baggage.

McKinnie has reportedly been overweight the last two offseasons, coming into camp around 400 pounds. He’s also been known for his strange attitude and poor work ethic.

But it’s still worth a look.

The Bears offensive line is far from elite. While Jay Cutler was able to mask some issues this preseason, there are obvious issues at left tackle. You hope General Manager Phil Emery would get the best available player if he’s out there.

In only eight months, Emery has shown that he’s quick to pull the trigger when talent is available and is OK with cutting guys he feels aren’t playing well.

For instance, he acquired defensive tackle Brian Price from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in August for a seventh-round pick. Price had conditioning issues and problems off the field that might have caused him to struggle this preseason. Whatever it was, Emery and company cut Price when a better option in Amobi Okoye became available.

He was also willing to cut corner backs Isaiah Frey and Greg McCoy, who were drafted in the sixth and seventh round respectively. Would Jerry Angelo ever cut guys he traded for, signed or drafted in the same offseason? Based on previous history, it’s not likely.

Chicago Sun Times Bears beat writer Sean Jensen tweeted that the team could create cap space by cutting someone like Chris Williams, who is due to make $1 million this season.

So, would Emery cut another player to make room for McKinnie?

For the sake of possibly winning a championship, it’s at least worth a look.