He worked out in New England a few weeks ago but reports surfaced that his knee was a mess and they didn't end up signing him at the time. That should tell something about his physical condition since the Pats were more content with Daniel Fells and Michael Hoomanawanui at the time along with the fact that the Seahawks cut him in training camp.
Still, if he's healthy, Winslow is an above average tight end in the NFL. He was a Pro Bowler in 2007 with the Browns (82 catches, 1106 yards, 5 touchdowns). The sixth overall pick by Cleveland in the 2004 NFL Draft, Winslow was a star at the University of Miami and the son of legendary NFL Hall of Famer and fellow tight end Kellen Winslow (Chargers).
After spending four seasons in Cleveland (two productive, two injury-plagued), Winslow played the last three years in Tampa Bay. He was durable-appearing in all 16 games each season-and put up numbers so it's curious that the Bucs would let him go without anyone really coming up behind him or them bringing in a better guy (sorry washed up Dallas Clark). In 2011, he had 75 catches for 763 yards and two touchdowns. He's averaged 73 receptions for 792.3 yards the past three seasons.
It is silly to expect him to jump right into a new system with a new quarterback and team without any type of growing pains. Plus, unlike with the Buccaneers or Browns where he was the No. 1 or 1A target most of the time, now he'll be at best Tom Brady's fourth option behind Rob Gronkowski, Brandon Lloyd and Wes Welker (if he gets off the bench).
By signing him now, the ever cost-conscious Patriots don't have to foot the bill for his entire $3.3 million salary. Also, by agreeing on a one-year deal, that means that if things don't gel properly, they can let him go quickly (think Albert Haynesworth or Chad Johnson) without many repercussions. For everyone's sake, let's hope that Winslow has more of an impact than those stiffs. Basically it's a no-lose for the Patriots since Hernandez is not expected back until at least October. We all saw how out of whack the offense was against Arizona after he departed so perhaps Winslow will allow offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and Brady to get into a better rhythm starting this Sunday against the Ravens.
In honor of the newest Patriot, you know I had to look up one of my all-time favorite YouTube clips: Kellen Winslow calling himself a solider when he was at the U.
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