The free agent market is narrowing down every day, and the Miami Dolphins are still in need of offensive line help. Right tackle Eric Winston wants to play in Miami, according to his agent Drew Rosenhaus, but there still isn’t a deal in place.
NFL free agency rumors: Eric Winston wants to play for Dolphins
Eric Winston is clearly interested in playing with the Dolphins next season, but is the feeling mutual in South Beach?
Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE
As Ben Volin of The Palm Beach Post notes, Winston is appears to be a perfect fit for the team. He is a reliable veteran with experience in zone blocking, he played for the Hurricanes in college, and he played under offensive coordinator Mike Sherman in Houston. Also, he actually wants to play for the team.
This isn’t an ongoing negotiation where the Dolphins are trying to persuade Winston to sign. He’s the one ready to commit. Volin notes that agents publicly expressing a client’s interest in team usually means the interest level isn’t high on the other side of the table.
A deal definitely can still be consummated by the two sides, but if the Dolphins REALLY wanted Winston, they probably would’ve made it happen by now.
Signing Winston would move Jonathan Martin to left tackle, a position he’s familiar with. There aren’t many options left on the market. Andre Smith hasn’t re-signed with the Bengals. Arguably the best free agent available, he hasn’t drawn much interest around the league after constant battles with weight problems. Trading for Branden Albert would be good fit, but it would cost Miami a high draft pick and an expensive contract.
Winston is ready to start in South Beach. The Dolphins aren’t reciprocating the interest at this point.
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