Eagles inquired about TE Winslow

Nov/10/08 11:58 PM Filed in: Kellen Winslow
KellenWinslow
Eagles inquired about TE Winslow before deadline

Whether the Eagles really would have pulled the trigger on tight end Kellen Winslow before the trade deadline had the price tag not been prohibitive, which quietly is the word, or whether it was just a smokescreen is open to debate.

On the other hand that wasn’t the first time the Eagles inquired about Winslow and as long as Andy Reid is head coach it almost certainly won’t be the last.

The Cleveland Browns wanted a second-rounder and multiple picks, according to a source, the Eagles obviously less. Winslow was preferred over Tony Gonzalez, the other high-profile tight end dangled before the trade deadline.

The Eagles quietly don’t think Winslow would behave as he did with the Browns, his outbursts and decision to bypass the voluntary camps not helping his popularity. On the other hand those antics have made the Browns wonder if he’s worth all of the trouble. Under pressure from the NFL Players Association, they recently rescinded a one-game suspension of Winslow for conduct detrimental to the team

A change of scenery might be best for both sides although Winslow has said he would prefer to stay in Cleveland — if, that is, the Browns redo his contract. Winslow has two more years remaining.

Unless tight end L.J. Smith starts playing like Winslow — or Eagles teammate Brent Celek, for that matter — it would seem a foregone conclusion he won’t be back at anything close to the $4.55 million base he’s earning this season. With Celek on the rise, veteran Matt Schobel likely is on the way out as well.

With 36 receptions for 362 yards and three touchdowns, Winslow isn’t having another Pro Bowl season. The same can be said of his teammates as the Browns are 3-6, their second starting quarterback in Brady Quinn and in need of a miracle to make the playoffs.

That said Winslow contributed 10 catches for 111 yards and two TD’s in a 34-30 loss to the Denver Broncos Thursday night.

If the up-and-coming Celek could haul in six passes for 131 yards against the Seahawks, imagine what Winslow could do in the Eagles’ offense.

(theporteronline.com)