KansasCity.com: Bucs' Winslow agrees to contract extension
Bucs' Winslow agrees to contract extension
By FRED GOODALL
AP Sports Writer
Kellen Winslow and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers agreed Monday to a six-year, $36.1 million contract extension that will make the one-time Pro Bowl selection the highest-paid tight end in NFL history.
Agent Drew Rosenhaus said the deal includes $20.1 million guaranteed, a record for a tight end. With incentives, it could be worth up to $42.1 million.
Contract talks began soon after the Feb. 27 trade that sent Winslow, who participated in the Bucs' voluntary minicamp last week, to Tampa Bay from Cleveland in exchange for a second-round pick in this year's draft and a fifth-rounder in 2010.
"The Bucs were open to something long-term," Rosenhaus said. "It's nice to get it done."
Winslow was the sixth overall pick in the 2004 draft, and his career has been marked by plenty of highs, lows and controversy.
The 25-year-old had 219 receptions for 2,459 yards and 11 touchdowns in five seasons with the Browns, and the Bucs are counting on him to play a major role in an overhauled offense next season.
Winslow had 89 catches for 875 yards and three touchdowns in 2006 and followed with 82 receptions for 1,106 yards in 2007. He survived a serious motorcycle accident and battled injuries throughout his stay in Cleveland, and last season squabbled with the Browns' front office.
The Bucs fired coach Jon Gruden in January after losing their last four games to miss the playoffs following a 9-3 start. Upgrading the offense has been the top priority under successor Raheem Morris, who brought in former Boston College coach Jeff Jagodzinski as his offensive coordinator.
In addition to trading for Winslow, the Bucs placed the franchise tag on receiver Antonio Bryant, assuring him a salary of $9.8 million next season, and signed former New York Giants running back Derrick Ward to a four-year, $17 million contract.
Tampa Bay also decided against retaining quarterback Jeff Garcia, leaving Luke McCown, Brian Griese and Josh Johnson to compete for the starting job. Garcia signed with Oakland on Monday.
