Getty ImagesWhen Chiefs right tackle Eric Winston recently lamented the looming departure of quarterback Matt Cassel, we suggested that Winston could still suffer the same fate.
And now he is.
Per a source with knowledge of the situation, the Chiefs are releasing Winston. He’ll hit the free agent market immediately, a few days before it opens.
Winston was due to earn a base salary of $4.9 million in 2013, along with $500,000 in per-game roster bonuses and a $100,000 workout bonus. He signed with the Chiefs after being cut last year by the Texans.
Because he received an $4 million signing bonus, the acceleration results in a $3 million million cap charge. That’s still $2.5 million lower than it would have been if Winston had stayed — and also $5.5 million cheaper.
With a $4 million signing bonus and a $900,000 salary in 2012, Winston earned $4.9 million in one year with the Chiefs.
The move gives the Chiefs the flexibility to take Luke Joeckel with the first pick in the 2013 draft, and then to move Joeckel or Branden Albert to the right side.
Channel Finder
Jags you are on the clock!!!
Dear Mr Allen, whatever you have to do get him in burgundy and gold.
Didn’t see this one coming. Didn’t see this coming last year either from the Texans! Who needs a good OT? Umm, like everyone? He will find work quicker than Rob Ryan
I wouldn’t mind seeing him back in Houston. He was good in their system.
Redskins need an upgrade at RT.
I don’t think Albert’s going to be very willing to give up his spot. And it’s not convenient to use the #1 pick on somebody that you plan on instituting an immediate position change. The Chiefs need to invent an interesting wrench to throw into the mix.
Andre Smith better think twice about that 9 million a year now. There is much cheaper yet established player on the market now.
Miami.
With the first pick on the 2013 draft , the Kansas City Chiefs select … Luke Joeckel !
Wasn’t surprised. Get ready to move over Albert.
Mr. Reid and Mr. Dorsey are shrewdly making the right moves to build a dynasty team.
They have a future All Pro at QB now who will thrive in Mr. Reids offense.
They are setting themselves up to dominate the AFC for a decade.
Every team will soon be trying to emulate the Chiefs Way.
Every fan will be jealous of the Chiefs Nation.
Every owner will idolize the Chiefs organization.
Every coach will fear going to Arrowhead.
Every Philly fan will be sick with regret for being so shallow and not standing with the Genius
Chiefs could move Stephenson to to the right side and still take Milner or a DL.
he was a solid run blocker. but he did take plays off / lack of effort when he got frustrated
With the first pick of the 2013 NFL draft the Kansas City Chiefs select Luke Joekel.
Hope he finds work soon. Always seem to like this guy.
Good move, Winston bleeds at the mouth way too much. Too much talkin’ and not enough blockin’
Maybe go d line with #1 pick, I don’t get this move.
Sign Winston to be RT. Jonathan Martin is LT. Sign Wallace. Draft the best pass rusher on the board. Done and Done
Texans fans are not surprised. A return to Houston is not recommended.
Vikings say goodbye to Mr. False Start-Phil Loadholt and hello to Eric Winston!
See ya non-gladiator.. Miss some blocks, get your qb hurt and call out another fan base you over rated tool. We might be worse off without you (we’re picking #1 overall to ha) but every fan that didn’t boo, all 73k of us, are happy to see you go. Later!
Too*
Andy Reid almost always drafts a lineman in Rd 1. Draft your future LT, have him play RT in yr 1 then move ‘em over next year. Improves your line, justifying franchising Bowe and trading for Alex Smith.
I have been saying since Reid was hired, Joeckel was the pick. Way to jump on board now. Andy’s first move in Philly wasn’t a qb, it was getting Runyan. The d line and o line is how he builds his teams. He has them on the right track. It is a shame that he wasn’t able to properly reset button here. The moves he is making all look great.
The Eagles can use a good right tackle.
How soon can he be signed by the Cardinals……..Very soon, I hope.
There’s ur right tackle Jerry!!! Cut Free BUM ASS & sign Winston to a two year deal..I know he played on the left side but a player like him will adjust real quick…
There are rumors of a medical issue.
Lucky man to be free of Reid.
Ah…they just signed Bowe to a 5 year deal…no franchise.
Seems like Andy Reid got a brain transplant. Lots of stupid moves in Philly…like signing Vick for a 100 mil…now becoming a lot smarter in KC.
good moves JC u just too draft a QB later on in the draft
I will always remember Winston as the guy that got his rear end handed to him in a game in which his QB got smashed all day and after the game deflected the blame to the people in the seats.
It’s funny how a lot of fans make fun of the Chiefs, but always want their players.
Cut Free, pick up Winston
Ireland,
Don’t be a wuss, get him in Miami and move Martin to left tackle. This is the year. You could have got him last year. Now you get more value – kind of like letting someone else pay for the first year of the new car – now we get the better deal.
Winston,
Welcome to Miami
I guess that probably means the Chiefs are taking an OL, probably Fisher.
Where are the Cardinals in this?
Worst line in the NFL.
how good can he be…tackles are a premium in the NFL.. cut twice in 2 years by 2 teams? says all I need to know
Come to Indy!!!
I think its more likely they draft the NT Lotuleilei with the first pick then go for Fluker with the first pick in the 2nd round. Quality nose tackles are harder to get than RT’s or even LT’s.
Winston has to be happy, he got out of that hole they call Kansas City.
the business end doesn’t always justify talent to $$$
IMO – this was the classy way to let a vet find work earlier than later.
KC fans, Andy is now your coach because he drafted badly – e.g. Watkins, Graham. If he thinks Joeckel is the ONE, then the joke is on you. Johnny Football made him look good. Bet on Eric Fisher having the All-Pro career.
Good. Bring him back to Houston. That was a stupid move by the Texans last year.
Now it’s official, Cheifs are drafting Luke Joeckel to play Left Tackle, and moving Brandon Albert to Right Tackle who they just signed a contract for.
Oprah Winston is a Raiders quality player and the Black stool would be perfect for him.