The Baltimore Ravens and starting left tackle Bryant McKinnie have reached a road block in their attempts to restructure his base salary for 2012, a source in McKinnie's camp said Tuesday.
This leads to the fear that the Ravens will release the veteran, the source said.
NFL Network and NFL.com reporter Albert Breer received a text message from McKinnie that read: "We couldn't come to an agreement on the restructure of my contract, which leads to me being released."
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When asked if the decision was final, McKinnie responded via text: "Yes! They will announce it soon." McKinnie texted a similar statement to Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun and WNST.net in Baltimore.
Moments later, Breer received another text message from McKinnie that read: "Not officially over yet just got a call."
McKinnie is set to earn $3.2 million this season, which according to The Sun is already set to be garnished as part of a lockout-related lawsuit. The Ravens want to significantly reduce that, and McKinnie is not opposed to restructuring on some level. The source said McKinnie is open to a "significant" cut, just not as much as the Ravens want.
The deal still could get done today, with McKinnie's camp holding out hope for a reworked deal, which looked unlikely at first. The sides are expecting a resolution at some point Tuesday.
If McKinnie is waived, Baltimore would be looking for a new left tackle, and a talented option would be on the market.
When contacted for comment, the Ravens did not have a definitive answer on McKinnie's status.
The New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, San Diego Chargers and possibly the Chicago Bears could be interested in McKinnie if he hits the open market.
Follow Ian Rapoport on Twitter @RapSheet.
