Seattle tight end Kellen Winslow has never lacked for confidence.
But the former “soldier” sounds like he at least understands his limitations, even if he does still have a grand idea of himself.
“If I was healthy, which I never will be again, I would be Aaron Hernandez and (Jason) Witten together,” Winslow told Clare Farnsworth of Seahawks.com. “But, hey, I do what I can out there with the situation I have.”
Winslow said he’ll always struggle with the knee problem that began in 2005 when he was with the Cleveland Browns and was complicated by a 2008 staph infection.
He still averaged 73 receptions a year the past three seasons in Tampa Bay, meaning the decision to trade him for what could be a sixth-round pick may have had to do with things other than his skills.
But while he’s listed as being limited now, he’s moving well in practice, giving the Seahawks ideas about putting in more two-tight end formations.
“I think he’s going to be a great addition,” quarterback Tarvaris Jackson said. “He’s come out the first couple days and made some great catches. He’s always pretty much open. He finds a way to get open, so that’s going to be big for us on offense.”
And even if he proves to be the kind of pain new Bucs coach Greg Schiano didn’t want around, he’ll likely never be the worst citizen the Seahawks have put on the field at the position.