The Miami Dolphins, apparently tired of seeing their second-year quarterback Ryan Tannehill continually battered, have reportedly acquired Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie. McKinnie, who was replaced as the starting left tackle after Baltimore traded for Eugene Monroe a couple of weeks ago, will get another opportunity to become a starter. The move was first reported by Fox Sports' Jay Glazer:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>The Miami Dolphins, who've been dealing w o-line trouble, have traded with the Ravens for Bryant McKinnie according to Ravens sources</p>— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) <a href="https://twitter.com/JayGlazer/statuses/392353859969884161">October 21, 2013</a></blockquote>
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The Dolphins have surrendered 26 sacks through six games, including two late in their last-minute loss on Sunday to the Buffalo Bills, the second one which led to a Tannehill lost fumble. Buffalo ate up the next three minutes before making the deciding 31-yard field goal with just over 30 seconds left in the game.
While McKinnie is still no longer the Pro Bowl-caliber player he was for Minnesota during the early-to-mid 2000's, he will likely see he field soon. Tyson Clabo has been beaten regularly at right tackle, while Jonathan Martin has shown improvement but still has a ways to go.
Grade for Miami: B-. Taking a chance on a former Pro Bowler is a fairly low-risk proposition for the Dolphins, who desperately need better play from their offensive line if they want to compete for a playoff spot this season. Perhaps a move to his old collegiate stomping grounds and a warm-weather city could give McKinnie's play a boost.
Grade for Baltimore: B. After acquiring a new offensive tackle in Eugene Monroe, the team clearly had no plans to keep McKinnie after this season. Getting what will likely be a late-round pick for an aging veteran is a solid haul.
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