Brandon

McKinney

McKinney joins DT Cory Redding in following former Ravens coordinator Chuck Pagano to Indianapolis. McKinney played roughly one-fifth of Baltimore’s defensive snaps last season as a backup to NT Terrence Cody. He’s likely ticketed for a situational run-stuffer role with the Colts.

Cory Redding opened as the starting left end, with Drake Nevis on the opposite side. Fili Moala, a 2009 second-rounder, is stuck in a backup role in new coach Chuck Pagano’s 3-4 scheme. Robert Mathis moved from strong-side linebacker back to his old left-end home in nickel packages. Like Terrell Suggs in Baltimore, Dwight Freeney will be the full-time right end once he reports.

The Colts signed McKinney to a two-year, $2 million contract in April to help install Chuck Pagano’s new 3-4 defense. They’ll be relying heavily on holdover Antonio Johnson now, especially early in the season. Rookie Josh Chapman is beginning the year on PUP. McKinney was going to play significant snaps.

McKinney tore his ACL last August after signing a two-year deal. Entering his age-30 season, he needs to get on the field as soon as possible to compete for a job. The Colts signed NT Aubrayo Franklin as a free agent and have 2012 fifth-rounder Josh Chapman waiting in the wings.

The back injury ended McKinney’s season in December after appearing in just seven games. While he’s expected to return for training camp, the Ravens may opt to cut ties after signing Cory Redding and drafting Terrence Cody.

A nine-year veteran, McKinney was a Colt in 2011-12, but spent both years stowed away on injured reserve with knee issues. Going on 31, McKinney will fight for a rotational role along the Colts’ defensive line, but has to prove he’s healthy before anything else.

McKinney, 31 in August, hasn’t played a snap since the Divisional Round of the playoffs with the Ravens in 2011. He came to Indianapolis with coach Chuck Pagano in 2012 but tore his ACL in August of that year and ended up missing the next two seasons. If healthy, McKinney would be a worth a flier. That’s a big “if.”

McKinney appeared in just seven games this season and recorded two tackles. He’s signed through 2011 but probably isn’t worth the $1.2 million he’s scheduled to make in 2010.

Gross was an exclusive rights free agent. Floyd hardly was active in 2007, falling behind Legedu Naanee on the depth chart. Clary is the Bolts’ new starting right tackle.

Cooper led the Chargers in tackles last year, but may not start for the team right away.