Kellen Winslow Would be a Great Move for the New York Jets

December 11, 2011; Jacksonville FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Kellen Winslow (82) catches the ball as Jacksonville Jaguars defensive back Chris Prosinski (42) defends during the first half at Jacksonville EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Note: Some of this will be a reprint/paraphrase of a previous post I have written on this topic during the 2012 season.

As this offseason is moving along, the Jets are finally bringing in some “named” veterans to try and improve the basically anemic offense of years past. As reported yesterday, the Jets are bringing 5 players into minicamp for tryouts, with 3 of them as veterans.

As veterans go, sorry, one is not Braylon Edwards.  However, two of them are offensive veterans.  One is Mike Sims-Walker, another is a guy I have been a fan of for a long time, and frankly, I am thrilled that the Jets are bringing him in.

That guy is Kellen Winslow, Jr, and he would be a great move for the New York Jets.

We have talked about it for months, and  it’s been discussed at length.  The Jets have weapons on the outside with potential, but not a lot of weapons that Mark Sanchez can count on. He needs proven, reliable weapons at his disposal.

In walks Kellen Winslow, Jr, and at just the right time. Winslow is a proven commodity and can get the job done.

Here is some video from his time 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.

Dec, 24, 2011; Charlotte, NC, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Kellen Winslow (82) runs as Carolina Panthers safeties Sherrod Martin (23) and Jonathan Nelson (37) defend in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Here are Kellen Winslow Jr’s stats for his career:

Kellen Winslow’s stats bear 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. Younger guys like Jeff Cumberland and Konrad Reuland, will benefit from the voice of an experienced tight end in the room.

Earlier in the year, this would have been a move for Winslow as a backup, but now, the starting job is ripe for the taking. If he shows that he has anything left during his tryout, please don’t let him leave.

It would be a mistake.