Why Kellen Winslow Jr is a Good Fit for the New York Jets

May 30, 2012; Renton, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks tight end Kellen Winslow (82) catches a pass in front of safety Kam Chancellor (31) during an OTA practice at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-US PRESSWIRE

The Jets are in dire need of weapons for Mark Sanchez, despite the assertion of Mike Tannenbaum to the contrary. It’s been discussed at length, there are weapons with potential, but not a lot of weapons that Mark Sanchez can count on. He needs proven, reliable weapons at his disposal.

Josh Baker was going to be a very potent weapon as the tight end/H-back position, before he season was cut short during the third game of the preseason. Cut day has come and gone, and there is a guy out there that could replace Baker, and do a more than capable job. Why? Because he has a history of doing a high caliber job. That guy is Kellen Winslow Jr.

Here is some video from the time he spent in Tampa Bay:

He is fast, has great hands. He is clearly an effective offensive weapon.

Winslow might not be Jimmy Graham height, but he still is a big target at 6’4″, which is a threat to any defense, especially in the redzone. He is still in his prime at 29 years old.

Kellen Winslow’s stats bare out a guy that is a consistent threat. Since 2006, his worst season was 2008, when he still caught 43 passes. He has caught as many as 89 passes in a season, and his average catches per season since 2006 is 72. Kellen Winslow Jr. is a talented receiver, and has been one since 2006.

A player of that caliber also would be a good influence on the players around him. Dustin Keller is an up and coming player. He, as well as younger guys like Jeff Cumberland and Konrad Reuland, will benefit from the voice of an experienced tight end in the room.

The biggest key would be if Winslow would accept the Josh Baker role on this offense. Dustin Keller is the starting tight end, and that is not going to change. Baker was going to play a role where he would come in for specific packages, and get his opportunities that way. He will have to understand that he is coming here in a supporting role.

If that can be confirmed, and Winslow is willing to come here and support Keller and this team, he has to be worth a look. He is a talented weapon, and has been for several years now. It’s your move Tannenbaum.