Save for Albert Haynesworth's expected signing with the Redskins, the first day of free agency hasn't generated a whole lot of big buzz so far. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers just added some spice to the mix, however, acquiring talented tight end Kellen Winslow from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a package of yet-to-be revealed draft choices.
The trade not only provides a dangerous weapon for whomever replaces Jeff Garcia at quarterback, but Winslow's addition also gives a needed boost to a Tampa fan base that's still in shock over Wednesday's massive player purge that included franchise icon Derrick Brooks.
It also signals a change in philosophy for the Browns under new GM George Kokonis and further illustrates that head coach Eric Mangini means business. Winslow's maturity issues and penchant for nagging injuries during his rocky five-year tenure in Cleveland clearly didn't sit well with the no-nonsense Mangini, who's reportedly already clashed with nose tackle Shaun Rogers, the Browns' best defensive player.
With more than $60 million of salary cap room, the Bucs were expected to be major players in free agency. It's now almost certain that some of that money will be used towards working out a new deal for Winslow, who's signed through 2010 but has grumbled to Browns management in the past about his contract status.
Speculation now will exist as to whether these teams will be making another big trade in the near future, with the Buccaneers having an unresolved situation at quarterback and Derek Anderson seemingly on the block.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment