Eric Winston was cut from the Kansas City Chiefs earlier this month, but after all the top offensive lineman have signed with new teams, he quickly has become a hot commodity and after visiting with the Dolphins he could be headed to Miami.
According to ESPN.com, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Winston visited with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday and he could sign with the team soon. He also reported interest from New England, Dallas, San Diego and Philadelphia. Winston is familiar with area after going to the University of Miami and the team is in need after Jake Long signed with the Rams.
Schefter wrote on Twitter: "Former Chiefs/Texans OT Eric Winston is visiting Dolphins today. Deal could happen. Eagles, Pats, Chargers, Cowboys also interested."
Winston is a smart and durable player, as he has played in 103 starts while not missing a game over six years. He also played in all 16 games last season and helped give the Chiefs a top 10 rushing attack. The Dolphins have some depth issues on the line and will likely use 2012 second-round pick, Jonathan Martin to replace Long with Winston coming on the other side.
The Dolphins brought back offensive tackle Nate Garner, but the team would like a veteran to add to the mix and Winston could be the pick. Long signed a four year, $36 million contract with the Rams, which was higher than Miami wanted to go after signing Mike Wallace, Dannell Ellerbe and Philip Wheeler.
Winston spent the first part of his career with the Texans and is excellent in both pass and run blocking. The Patriots are interested in case they lose Sebastian Vollmer, while the Dolphins ranked just 17th an feels that an upgrade on the line could help with the loss of Reggie Bush to the Detroit Lions.
The Patriots ranked seventh in rushing while the Cowboys ranked 31st. Dallas greatly needs to improve along the offensive line and if Winston doesn't ask for too much, Jerry Jones could sign him. The Dolphins went just 7-9 last season, including 2-4 in the division. The team added a number of new players and they were rumored to be interested in Chiefs tackle Branden Albert, but if they sign Winston that deal is likely dead.
