The Cleveland Browns have already made a few big splashes in free agency by signing Paul Kruger and Desmond Bryant and the team could be making another move soon, as they try to replace tight end Benjamin Watson, who signed with the New Orleans Saints as a free agent.
According to NFL.com, the Raiders are interested in signing Kellen Winslow, as are the Cleveland Browns, as he was a former star for the team and also has a relationship with new head coach Rob Chudzinski, who worked with Winslow while at the University of Miami. Winslow is a free agent after being released by the Patriots last season and according to the report, he is finally fully healthy after dealing with knee surgery.
The Raiders are interested in Winslow after losing Brandon Myers, who led the team with 79 catches for 806 yards and four touchdowns, while the Browns want to replace Watson. The team may have an advantage after Chudzinski coached Winslow at Miami and he could be a solid addition to the offense for Brandon Weeden, who is expected to be challenged in his second year as a starter.
Winslow had some of his most productive years in Cleveland, although while he was with the Browns he was also in his motorcycle accident. The 29-year-old is young enough to still be an impact player and he could help Weeden with the more intermediate routes and the middle of the field. The Browns had tried to go after Jared Cook, but he signed with the Dolphins.
Watson signed a three-year deal with the Saints and will bring solid hands and blocking skills to New Orleans. Watson made 49 catches for 501 yards and three touchdowns last season and has 321 career receptions for 3,776 yards and 28 TDs in his time with the Patriots and Cleveland. He has played in at least 12 games every season except 2004 and he played in all 16 games in two of his three years in Cleveland.
Winslow was with the Patriots last season and made one catch before being released, but it was a mutual parting. He has dealt with injuries in the past, but he appears healthy for the first time in a number of years and could show the form he had when he signed a six-year, $36 million deal a few years ago.
Winslow appeared to be one of the top tight ends in football while with the Browns and he was productive with Tampa Bay after being traded, making 77 catches for 884 yards in his first season and the following year he led the team with 66 catches for 730 yards. Winslow was eventually traded to the Seahawks and then released. The team also could try to steal Dennis Pitta away from the rival Ravens.
The Browns would love to improve their offense heading into next season and if Winslow can produce like he did in 2007 when he had 1,106 receiving yards, the team could be much better in 2013. The team ranked 25th in passing yards per game with 245 and new owner Jimmy Haslam has said he wants to upgrade the offense and the quarterback position.
