Chiefs now expected to target draft prospect Luke Joeckel.
The Kansas City Chiefs have continued their roster overhaul by releasing right tackle Eric Winston after only one season, reports NFL.com.
Winston later confirmed the news with reaction on his official Twitter account:
The 29-year-old signed a four-year, $22m deal last off-season, but struggled for form last year and failed to endear himself amongst the Chiefs fans.
As reported by ESPN at the time, Winston criticised a small percentage of the crowd for cheering when quarterback Matt Cassel sustained a head injury during a game last season.
The move didn’t go down well and the Chiefs fans will arguably be pleased to see him released.
The right tackle would have made $4.9m in base salary this season, while the move saves the Chiefs $3.5m against the salary cap.
Winston will likely find himself in demand in the free-agency market and many now expect the Chiefs to make a move to draft Texas A&M’s Luke Joeckel with the first overall pick in April’s draft.
The changes and rumours surrounding Kansas City haven’t been met with such class by others on the current roster though.
When asked about a potential tactical switch on Twitter, newly franchised tagged left tackle Branden Albert made it clear he will not be changing his position in the new season to accommodate any new arrivals.
So while Winston was honoured to be a Chief, if only for a solitary season, Kansas has plenty of work to do ahead of the new campaign.
COMMENTS