Kellen Winslow last had a successful season with Tampa Bay two years ago.
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In a move that surprised no one, the Jets announced Friday afternoon tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. signed a deal with the team. Terms of the contract were not disclosed, but it was reportedly a one-year deal.
A former first-round pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, Winslow Jr. joins a gaggle of tight ends on the Jets who collectively lack star power and experience.
The Jets carry over three tight ends from last year’s squad in Jeff Cumberland, Konrad Reuland and Hayden Smith, who combine for seven years of experience and a career total of 44 receptions. The team failed to replace Dustin Keller, who departed to Miami via free agency, through the draft or free agency up until the move to sign Winslow Jr. on Friday.
Winslow Jr. is entering his ninth year in the league and has a career total of 438 receptions. He missed the 2005 season due to complications from a motorcycle accident and played just one game last year in New England before asking for his release.
He was invited to minicamp this past week as a tryout player and impressed with good footwork and solid hands.
The potential is there for this to be the perfect match for Winslow Jr. When healthy, Winslow Jr. has always been an impact player. In his last full season in 2011, Winslow Jr. caught 75 passes for 763 yards and two touchdowns in Tampa Bay.
Follow Jets beat writer Kristian Dyer on Twitter @KristianRDyer for all your offseason news.
