Steve McKinney was signed to a four year contract extension
with the Houston Texans today. McKinney, the 6 foot 4 inch and 302 pound
center, has played for the Texans since 2002. Prior to that, he spent four
seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. The Texas native attended college at
Texans A&M before being shipped out to Indiana.
The details of the contract extension were undisclosed by
the press released that was disseminated to the press around 2:00 EST.
McKinney was drafted by Indianapolis in the 4th
round of the 1998 draft to play guard. He was the 93rd pick overall
that year. In each of his four years with the Colts, McKinney blocked for a
1,000 yard rusher.
The Texans say that McKinney is one of their most reliable
offensive linemen. He has done well at the position of Center, but is expected
to be moved back to his original position of Left Guard under the new offense of
Head Coach Gary Kubiak. During his eight year NFL career, McKinney has played a
total of 124 games while only sitting out a total of 4. While playing the
position of Center for the Texans, he only fumbled the ball twice, losing
possession once.
According to the Texans press release, Coach Kubiak took
the time during the press conference to comment on McKinney, saying “Throughout
this process Steve has been a team player,” Texans Head Coach Gary Kubiak said.
“By restructuring his deal that frees up cap space and agreeing to change
positions, he has put us in position to improve on the line. Efforts like that
will help us win.”
With the move of positions for McKinney being made, this
should provide more clues as to what the Texans will be looking for during this
year’s draft. It is unknown if one year veteran Drew Hodgdon will be kept in
his position of Center, since he missed most of last season with a foot injury.