Think you deserve even more money? Whatever, Winslow

By Chris Cluff  |   Sunday, February 10, 2008  |  Comments( 0 )

Cleveland Browns
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Cleveland tight end Kellen Winslow continues to be one of the NFL's most narcissistic and illogical players.

He finally had the kind of season the Browns expected out of him when they drafted him sixth overall in 2004, and now he wants to be paid more despite the fact that he already is well compensated and is planning to have a fourth surgery on his troublesome right knee.

Whatever, Winslow.

Last Monday, Winslow was named to the AFC's Pro Bowl roster to replace Antonio Gates. It was a deserving award for Winslow, who overcame a disappointing first two seasons to finally put together the kind of year many thought he could. After missing all but two games in his first two years, he caught 89 passes in 2006 and finished 2007 with 82 catches for 1,106 yards and five touchdowns.

So, of course, three days after he was named to the Pro Bowl, Winslow made it known that he is suddenly underpaid. He told Sirius NFL Radio that he wants to renegotiate his contract, which was adjusted after he blew out a knee in a motorcycle accident that forced him to miss the entire 2005 season.

"When I got hurt, the contract got renegotiated so some things changed, but I think I've proven these past two years that I'm one of the elite tight ends," Winslow said.

Winslow said his presence requires an extra defensive back, "and that really changes the whole game."

"They have to guard me kind of like a wide receiver so, you know, yeah, gotta get that new money," he said, laughing.

The Browns should be laughing, too. Winslow is already due to be paid $4 million in 2008, $4.5 million in 2009 and $4.75 million in 2010. The average salary of the top five tight ends in 2007 was $4.52 million, so he is obviously very fairly compensated.

Even more laughable is that a day after saying he needs to be paid more, Winslow said he will be getting a second opinion on his right knee, which already has been operated on three times and probably will require a fourth surgery this offseason.

The Browns have enough other things to be concerned with -- particularly new contracts for quarterback Derek Anderson and running back Jamal Lewis. Anderson is set to be a restricted free agent, and Lewis will be unrestricted.

According to general manager Phil Savage, the Browns have offered Anderson shorter-term deals from two years to four years, while Anderson's agent has asked for a six- or seven-year contract.

"It's going to be something shorter term or longer term, but not in between," Savage told reporters.

Obviously, Anderson and Lewis are at the forefront of the Browns' thoughts. Why would they be concerned with altering the contract of a guy who is signed for three more years and already is paid among the best at his position?

Winslow surely will make a stink at some point because that's what a guy as narcissistic and illogical as him does.

But it's obvious what the Browns' answer should be: Whatever, Winslow.
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About Chris Cluff

Chris Cluff spent 10 years as an editor and sportswriter for The Seattle Times. He was a key figure in the newspaper's coverage of the Seahawks, particularly during their Super Bowl run in 2005. He also has written two books on the Seahawks: "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Heart-Pounding, ...
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