Height: 6'4"
Weight: 257 lbs.
Age: 28
Resume/Accolades: 2nd Team All Pro 2016, Pro Bowl 2018. Known as a good run defender and blitzer who hits like a MACK truck but somewhat of a liability in coverage. The starting MLB for some of the best defenses in the league during his time in HOU.
*Why he was traded by HOU:
Played in only 4 games in 2020 before requiring shoulder surgery. HOU had just signed ILB Zach Cunningham to a big deal (4 year, $58M) and had 10.5% of their cap tied up in their ILBs. One had to go. In an unusual move, they were able to trade an injured player, getting DE Shaq Lawson in return.
*Why he was released by MIA:
The Dolphins strangely cut McKinney a few months after trading for him. It was a bumpy ride - they cut his salary by $4M and snipped the last 2 years off his contract. After spending most of camp as a starter, he was cut after incumbent starter Elandon Roberts came off PUP. Brian Flores called it a "tough decision" that came down to "position, salary cap and the kicking game".
The Dolphins beat, however, speculated the team never wanted McKinney - just to dump Lawson's salary (3 years, $30M the prior year). That's certainly what it appears like given how McKinney never got the chance to play in a real game for them.
*Why he wasn't picked up/Why he Signed with the Giants:
According to Ian Rapoport, he had several teams interested but was waiting for the right opportunity. From his perspective, I can see why he thought the Giants could put him on the map again. A talented D that was missing a 34 ILB. And don't forget Bill O'Brien being from the Belichick tree - there's that connection.
I was impressed with McKinney yesterday - there's gas in the tank. Reminds me of the Jon Beason pickup years ago. The interesting thing is - if he's healthy, you can make a pretty good case he's better than Blake Martinez. He really didn't get much of a chance in MIA and it's anyone's guess if he's back to form. He looked pretty damn good in limited snaps Sunday.
Agreed. To bad Beason couldn't stay healthy, he had a bunch of talent. And yeah some of those hits yesterday by McKinney were eye popping. It felt good to see that.
Yep I was going to say that certainly. Judge broke out the cowbell, starting shaking and bingo.
even before getting hurt Blake was missing tackes and getting blocked out of plays. he wasnt himself
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he's better than Blake. I'd like to see that argument.
even before getting hurt Blake was missing tackes and getting blocked out of plays. he wasnt himself
If mcKinney turns out to be a solid run stuffing MLB, physical, he could be a perfect compliment next to Blake for next year. (I like Martinez more in the cover 1 middle zone as opposed to taking on guards at the LoS).
Here's to hoping McKinney turns out to be a reclamation pickup worth keeping around.
Well, actually, I don't really care.
This D is such a mess I don't think a previous 2nd team "All Pro" is going to help.
Well, actually, I don't really care.
This D is such a mess I don't think a previous 2nd team "All Pro" is going to help.
He just did help you dumb ass
Like someone else said, though, I'd like to see the argument that makes him BETTER in the middle than Blake Martinez. That's a tough one to imagine.
The two of them out there together? Now we're talking.
Having said that, which day this week do we read about his non-contact practice injury?
Ohhhhhh shut up, bitches. You know you think it, too.
But McKinney is the more accomplished overall football player, and he's more physical at the LOS which is a pretty big deal at MIKE. I don't think it's a leap to say McKinney > Martinez before the shoulder injury. He hasn't demonstrated he's back from that yet, but if he does, it may be Blake the odd man out off an ACL.
McK is playing for a new contract, and he knows it's likely to be his last. Expect a huge effort from an accomplished player the remaining 10 games. I'm glad he's here.
Crowder has decent speed to sideline but would rather push a guy out than tackle. And he needs tackling help from his teammates on plays inside hashes. Ragland too often takes on the blocker than makes his way to the ballcarrier.
Ha such a good take, he was so electric on the field in comparison to what we were used to it was jarring. It was nirvana for the few moments we got to see him play. Martinez has been the closest to that feeling for me.
The Giants have a decision to make.
Re-sign McKinney, under this scenario healthy coming off a good year?
Or let him walk and bring back Martinez at big $$$ coming off an ACL?
Shows you how brutal the business is. Could go from unquestioned team leader, multi-year contract to *gone*, just like that. McK is an experienced, green dot commander of a defense. Let's see if he takes ownership.
No idea how you could say he's overrated. He's statistically among the top linebackers in the middle of a defense, if not THE guy that has set the standard for several years now, and he's been doing that in blue, as well. He's also, by any account I've seen, a terrific leader, which I keep reading here that we no longer have on this team. How's that overrated?
He was the planned starter next to Martinez, there has to be a reason for that.
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I'm curios how the Giants afforded.
Well, actually, I don't really care.
This D is such a mess I don't think a previous 2nd team "All Pro" is going to help.
He just did help you dumb ass
Yes, those 2 tackles made all the difference yesterday.
Fuck Off Douche.
The LBers looked better after the 1st series...where they got a little scorched.
Thanks for posting.
He’s only 28 too so there should be gas in the tank. A definite upgrade from Ragland
Prob don’t want him in too much man-to-man but that’s the case for 90% of ILB’s.
Because of that , Blake is great at sniffing out screens and great in pursuit.
But I like s traditional ILB who pops guys. That’s McKinney
Carolina was moving the ball on the ground and McKinney blasted them twice......ferocious hits we have not seen by a Giants D in a long time
After that Carolina looked a lot less confident running the ball
I hope he holds up
Reminds me of the signing of Kawika Mitchell for our 2008 SB run. Mitchell was a game changer but in that case we did not re-sign him. I believe he signed with Buffalo.
Hope this guy is not a one and done like Mitchell