Former Chief's tackle Winston wants to play for Pats
Last year, right-tackle Eric Winston inked a four year, 22-million dollar deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. Fast forward to yesterday: Winston was released by KC after playing out just one year of the contract. Quite the turn of events for the 6'7", 300 pound lineman who played college ball at UMiami. Now the big man is looking for a new home.
Drafted in the third round of the 2006 draft by the Texans, Winston quickly found a role with the team, starting seven games in his rookie year. He would proceed to start 87 games for Houston until he was released in March of 2012. Five days later, he signed the four year, big money deal with the Chiefs, and started all 16 games for them this past season. Durability does not appear to be an issue for Winston.
Obviously things didn't work out for him there. It seems to be a case of him just not fitting into the team's long term plans, as they have young talent on their line. He's a tackle with a lot of miles on him so his skill level may be diminished from what it once was; but this guy is still a force to be reckoned with up front. While the Chiefs have been among the league's worst the past few seasons; Jamal Charles has been one of the best running backs in the league as of late, including last season. While he is an extremely talented player, the big guys still get some credit for those numbers.
And so raises the question of if Winston could serve as a potential replacement for right tackle Sebastian Vollmer should he leave the team. Patriots insider Tom E. Curren tweeted earlier today that Winston may have eyes for New England.
Personally I would say Winston to the Patriots is unlikely, even though I believe Vollmer will not be back. I think they still see potential in Marcus Cannon, and are more likely to find a replacement for Vollmer in the draft than free agency. Winston is on the down slope of his career, and the Patriots surely want to develop some young players for the future of their line. And should Vollmer stay in New England, the conversation ends there.
While the state of the O-Line doesn't grab headlines like Wes Welker drama, do not underestimate the importance of having capable blockers in front of TB. He is our best player and without him the Patriots aren't winning shit.
One thing I know for sure: this is going to be one hell of an off-season for Patriots fans.
@LiamPCunningham
@PatriotsLife
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| Winston started all 16 games in his one season in KC |
Drafted in the third round of the 2006 draft by the Texans, Winston quickly found a role with the team, starting seven games in his rookie year. He would proceed to start 87 games for Houston until he was released in March of 2012. Five days later, he signed the four year, big money deal with the Chiefs, and started all 16 games for them this past season. Durability does not appear to be an issue for Winston.
Obviously things didn't work out for him there. It seems to be a case of him just not fitting into the team's long term plans, as they have young talent on their line. He's a tackle with a lot of miles on him so his skill level may be diminished from what it once was; but this guy is still a force to be reckoned with up front. While the Chiefs have been among the league's worst the past few seasons; Jamal Charles has been one of the best running backs in the league as of late, including last season. While he is an extremely talented player, the big guys still get some credit for those numbers.
And so raises the question of if Winston could serve as a potential replacement for right tackle Sebastian Vollmer should he leave the team. Patriots insider Tom E. Curren tweeted earlier today that Winston may have eyes for New England.
With @sebvollmer nearing free agency, Winston could be an option. He notes that Patriots "would be an attractive option for anyone."— Tom E. Curran (@tomecurran) March 7, 2013
Personally I would say Winston to the Patriots is unlikely, even though I believe Vollmer will not be back. I think they still see potential in Marcus Cannon, and are more likely to find a replacement for Vollmer in the draft than free agency. Winston is on the down slope of his career, and the Patriots surely want to develop some young players for the future of their line. And should Vollmer stay in New England, the conversation ends there.
While the state of the O-Line doesn't grab headlines like Wes Welker drama, do not underestimate the importance of having capable blockers in front of TB. He is our best player and without him the Patriots aren't winning shit.
One thing I know for sure: this is going to be one hell of an off-season for Patriots fans.
@LiamPCunningham
@PatriotsLife
