Kellen Winslow Did Not Fail Patriots’ Physical, Still Unemployed

NFL free agent tight end Kellen Winslow remained a free agent this week despite earning a workout with the New England Patriots.

It was initially reported that Winslow was not signed by New England because of a failed physical, possibly due to ongoing knee problems, but a new report by ESPN says that was not the case. True, the Patriots weren’t interested in signing Winslow, but they did not fail him on his physical.

Winslow was a Pro Bowl tight end with the Cleveland Browns in 2007 but has battled knee injuries during his career. He has however played in all 16 games each of the last three seasons.

As NFL.com noted, New England already had tight ends Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez, and Visanthe Shiancoe on the roster before bringing Wislow in. The Patriots instead signed veteran free agent Michael Hoomanawanui and placed Shiancoe on injured reserve Wednesday.

Winslow is still a year shy of 30 and is coming off a solid year. In 2011, Winslow caught 75 passes for 763 yards and two touchdowns. Winslow has caught 437 passes for 4,836 yards and 23 touchdowns in his seven years in the league.

The Associated Press reported that Winslow was acquired this off season by the Seattle Seahawks for a conditional draft pick with the idea of giving Seattle a dual threat at tight end with Zach Miller, but Winslow was let go this week. In preseason games, he finished with just three catches for 34 yards and a touchdown.

Officially Kellen Winslow II, the tight end is the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Kellen Winslow, is one of the best tight ends in league history.