Report: McKinnie released by Ravens

The Ravens approached left tackle Bryant McKinnie about restructuring his contract, but he sent ominous signals about his future in Baltimore via Twitter on

The Ravens approached left tackle Bryant McKinnie about restructuring his contract, but he sent ominous signals about his future in Baltimore via Twitter on Tuesday.

McKinnie has a $3.2 million base salary for the 2012 season but the Baltimore Sun reported the Ravens would "ideally like to cut his pay."

McKinnie posted to his personal Twitter feed "Decision is made! I'm gone!"

WNST.net, dedicated to coverage of Baltimore sports, reported McKinnie confirmed he's no longer with the team via text.

It's possible McKinnie could return after Week 1. Player salaries are guaranteed if they're on the 53-man roster when the regular season begins. To save money, the Ravens could opt to offer McKinnie a lower salary after the Sept. 10 opener against the Bengals. However, it's likely teams in need of offensive tackle help -- the Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, San Diego Chargers -- will offer more money.

The Ravens would move Michael Oher back to left tackle with plentiful options to take over Oher's current spot at right tackle. Oher played left tackle at Ole Miss and has experience at the position in the NFL.

Former third-round pick Jah Reid and 2012 second-round pick Kelechi Osemele played well in preseason and each logged significant snaps at right tackle when Oher starting training camp on the left side.

McKinnie didn't immediately pass his physical, citing a back injury suffered at his home before reporting to training camp, and was late to hit the field in August.

-- The Sports Xchange