Thread: Bucs TE Winslow could interest Bears

Bucs TE Winslow could interest Bears
By Brad Biggs
Tribune Reporter

10:39 a.m. CDT, May 21, 2012
When free agency opened in March, there was talk that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were working to trade Kellen Winslow Jr. to the Chicago Bears. Of course, the deal the Bears got done was a much bigger one as they acquired wide receiver Brandon Marshall from the Miami Dolphins.

Now, the Bucs are going to see if they can send the veteran tight end Winslow anywhere in a deal after informing him Saturday they are going in a different direction. Winslow announced the news Monday morning while appearing on SiriusXM NFL Radio.

The Bears added to the tight end position in the draft when they selected Evan Rodriguez in the fourth round from Temple. Rodriguez fits the “F” position offensive coordinator Mike Tice has been looking to fill. He has the ability to block on the perimeter and stretch the middle of the field.

Winslow, of course, is a far more skilled and experienced receiver. But wanting to trade him and being able to do so could be two different things. Winslow turns 29 this summer and he’s had knee issues throughout his career. Although he practiced only some of the time last season, he still appeared in all 16 games and caught 75 passes for 763 yards with two touchdowns.

Factor in his age and those knees with his contract -- Winslow is due to earn $3.3 million this season -- and it might be that the Bucs are forced to release him. Winslow is signed through 2014 and none of the remaining money is guaranteed. Keep in mind, the Bears got only a third-round draft pick last summer for a younger and healthier Greg Olsen. So, that gives you an idea of how little the Bucs might get in trade.

There is no question Winslow will find a home this season and it will be interesting to see if the Bears are in play for him if he reaches the open market. They’ve professed ultimate faith in Kellen Davis. Interestingly, Davis shares the same agent as Winslow -- Drew Rosenhaus -- and in order for Davis to finally blossom he will need an opportunity to be the man.


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