THE DAWGCATCHER

After 4 years, 44 games, 219 receptions, 2,459 yards and 11 touchdowns, Kellen Winslow Jr. was traded Friday night to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for undisclosed draft picks. (Rumored to be a 2nd round pick in 2009 and a 5th round pick in 2010.)

Did this surprise anyone?

The "Soldier" has been a real distraction since he first set foot in Cleveland in 2004.

Granted he was a good player when he wasn't injured, a very good player too, but Cleveland Headcoach Eric Mangini and GM George Kokinis chose to trade the "Chosen One" in order to get some badly needed draft picks.

And whats my take on this you may ask?

I love it! And think it was a good move for both sides. Kellen thought he deserved a new contract and now he's getting it (in Tampa Bay of course), and the Browns needed some draft picks and to play a Tight End who not only plays more than half a season, but also does something known in the NFL as "Blocking".

And "Blocking" is a good thing. Especially when the ball in given to the Running Back. It gives the Tight End something to do when he's not catching the ball or getting in motorcycle accidents.

Now don't get me wrong, I loved Kellen's play on the field. He gave it all he got and then some when he was out there. But was he really worth all the money we paid him in the last 4 years?

No he wasn't. Even though he did make one Pro-Bowl appearance, Kellen only played 44 games in 4 years. That means he got paid for 20 games he never even played in. Kellen never blocked and was definitely a distraction in the locker room.

And Jeff Mangini is the kind of coach who won't tolerate distractions on his team.

Winslow did do some amazing things on the field though. In 2007 he finished the season with 82 receptions for 1106 yards, five touchdowns and made his first appearance to the Pro Bowl as first alternate.

He also went down in NFL history as the first person to ever contract and completely heal from Staph infection in 4 days.

I don't think I'm going to miss Winslow in Cleveland. I'm especially not going to miss reading such brilliant statements such as these:

"I hate to be brash", "But I think my 90 percent is still better than every tight end out there."

"I'm good, very good...."

"But I love to prove people wrong. That's fuel for me."

"Where's the brake again???"


Farewell Kellen, I wish you all the best in Tampa Bay. I hope you have a lot of success and thanks once again for the nice draft picks we got for you.

Go Browns!!!!