The Bucs told tight end Kellen Winslow over the weekend that the team will try to trade him. Winslow, we’re told, has not told the Bucs that he has any specific preference.
Per a league source, Winslow does prefer maintaining his current contract, which will pay him non-guaranteed base salaries over the next three seasons of $3.3 million, $4.5 million, and $5.5 million, respectively.
Winslow, who suffered a serious knee injury seven years ago while doing tricks on a motorcycle in Cleveland, has fought through multiple surgeries to become a solid performer. He appeared in all 48 regular-season games during his time in Tampa, catching 218 passes (72.6 per season) for 2,377 yards (792.3 yards per season) and 12 touchdowns (do you really need us to do the math on that one?).
With more and more teams trying to mimic the Patriots use of two pass-catching tight ends, Winslow could generate some interest -- but he may have to reduce his payouts in order to facilitate a trade.