Former Chief Eric Winston Finds Free Agent Market ‘Frustrating’

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs, in a somewhat surprise move, cut RT Eric Winston earlier this offseason.

Most thought Winston would have no trouble landing on his feet. He has played quite well throughout his career and has been graded well each season by Pro Football Focus.

Only, despite being on the market for weeks, Winston is having trouble finding what he considers a fair deal.

Winston said on Sirius XM NFL Radio that he thinks compensation in the $3-4 million range would be fair.

“In the $3-4 million range is something that I think is more than fair for a starter who has played pretty well throughout his career,” Winston said.

Winston added:

“It’s also frustrating in the sense that there are still a lot of teams with money to spend, but it doesn’t seem like anyone wants to spend it.”

Winston is right. Despite there being teams out there that need tackle help, like the San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins and even the Chiefs, none of those teams seem to be ready to make a bold move right now.

I think this is all due to the talent level of the tackles coming out of the NFL Draft. This year’s class is believed to be particularly deep so I wouldn’t be surprised if teams are rolling the dice that they’ll be able to fill their needs in the draft.

In the end, Winston may have to roll the dice as well. He can take one of the offers he has on the table (the Chargers have supposedly extended an offer) or he can roll the dice himself and hope he regains some leverage when a team that needs help at tackle misses out on their targets in the draft.

All I know is I hope Winston doesn’t end up in San Diego.