Winston had signed a four-year, $22 million contract with Kansas City a
year ago, and this move saves the Chiefs $5.5 million in cash and $3.5 million
in cap space. Winston, who was originally selected by the Houston Texans in the
third round of the 2006 NFL draft, became one of the better right tackles in
the league before the Chiefs made a move for him in last year’s free agency
period. Winston had a decent season for Kansas City, but the Chiefs are looking
to get younger, and Winston may not be a strong fit for new head coach Andy
Reid’s man-on-man blocking system after spending his career in a zone scheme.
Winston became famous in Kansas City for criticizing Chiefs fans for cheering when quarterback Matt Cassel got injured in a game last season.
Winston told the media he understood Kansas City’s decision, and was
appreciative that they released him quickly so he could catch on with another
team.
In response to his release, Winston called the move “philosophical” and
also suggested that the team will likely draft an offensive lineman with its
top overall pick. Most draft experts believe that Texas A&M’s Luke Joeckel
or Central Michigan’s Eric Fisher could be likely targets for Kansas City.
One issue the Chiefs may face if they draft Joeckel or Fisher is
dealing with Albert, who has made it clear he does not want to move to the
right side of the line. The team could try to trade Albert to a team that is
desperate for a good left tackle, or convince him to move to right tackle or
guard. The Chiefs also could keep Albert at left tackle and use Joeckel or
Fisher on the right side of the line.
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