Kellen Winslow, Jr. was released by the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday, leading to a few NFL rumors about where the veteran tight end might end up.
Winslow, who was traded to the Seahawks from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was scheduled to make $3.3 million this season, a price Seattle obviously balked at in terms of the production they saw from Winslow in camp and the preseason this year. The Seahawks opted to sign Evan Moore, who was recently cut by the Cleveland Browns, to line up opposite Zach Miller instead.
Winslow is far removed from his days as a 1,000-yard receiver when he had 1,106 yards for the Browns in 2007. However, he has been an effective receiving threat in recent years, accumulating 763 yards on 75 catches last season for a struggling Buccaneers team.
However, most teams are now set at tight end and are willing to see what kind of production they get out of the ones on their roster. There are also other experienced tight ends on the free agent market right now in Jeremy Shockey and Chris Cooley that might be willing to sign for a lot less money at this point.
While I expect some team to investigate on what Winslow has left, it is not a great situation for the 29-year old veteran. He certainly has something left in the tank but the question is not if he can play. Instead, it’s how much he’s willing to accept to play and what role he is willing to assume.
The Oakland Raiders, New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens, and possibly the Chicago Bears might be willing to bring Winslow in to see what he can offer. Winslow will have to decide if he thinks he is worth No. 1 tight end money. If he wants a job, he is going to have to take a significant pay cut.
