Eric Winston is still on the free agent market after being released by the Kansas City Chiefs earlier in the offseason and so far there hasn't been too much interest, although the Dallas Cowboys have made him a possible addition. Winston is one of the best right tackles in the NFL and the team could be looking at Winston to take over for Doug Free, who the team is expected to release.
Winston is a durable player and he said on Monday to NFL.com that he discussed salary with the San Diego Chargers, but so far no deal has been made. He is looking to make between $3 million and $4 million, which could be out of the price range for some teams. The right tackle market has been slow all offseason with a deep draft and Winston is the best of the bunch.
The former Texans tackle has not missed a start since 2006 while playing with Houston and Kansas City and he has started 103 of 108 career games played over his time in the NFL. He helped the Chiefs to have a top five rushing attack last season, but he was cut since he was due a $5 million base salary. The Chiefs are looking to rework the offensive line under Andy Reid and likely will take Luke Joeckel or Eric Fisher with the number one pick.
Winston started 87 games with the Texans after being drafted in 2006 and he signed as a free agent with the Chiefs for 2012. He made headlines last season when he defended Matt Cassell and ripped the fans when the quarterback was injured, saying that it was a sick display to cheer when someone is injured. At 6-foot-7 and just over 300 pounds, Winston can pass and run block and if needed he can play multiple positions.
According to NFL.com, both Winston and the Cowboys have mutual interest and since ESPN reported that Doug Free's contract will not be fixed up, chances are they will release him or move him to another position. Winston would be a solid upgrade for a team that struggled blocking in both the passing and running game last year and both sides have started to talk about salary.
If that deal doesn't work out, the Cowboys could go after Atlanta Falcons right tackle Tyson Clabo, who was released earlier in the month. The interest in both players does not mean that Free will be gone, but chances are he will have a more limited role than last season due to his struggles.
