Kellen Winslow Jr.’s three-year run in Tampa is about to end.
Winslow told Ross Tucker of Sirius XM NFL Radio on Monday morning that Buccaneers coach Greg Schiano informed Winslow that he won’t be back with the team in 2012. The Bucs are trying to trade Winslow.
Winslow has three years remaining on his current contract and is due $3.3 million in 2012. He has remained productive in Tampa, topping 700 yards for the third straight season in 2011. Winslow is only 28-years-old, but he has the knees of a 15-year veteran after countless surgeries. He averaged only 10.2 yards-per-catch last season and has seen his explosive ability sapped by injuries.
There should be a market for Winslow because his price tag isn’t onerous, but we wouldn’t be shocked if the Bucs were ultimately forced to outright release him. Schiano clearly didn’t see Winslow fitting with the new-look Bucs long term and he is ready to cut bait. The move could send a message to the rest of the Bucs’ roster that everyone’s job is on the line.
Winslow was absent from the start of OTAs last week.
