Kellen Winslow II: 2013 and Beyond

The Jets signed Kellen Winslow II off the scrap heap in June. He had only played in a single game in 2012, and his knee was considered a major problem. The fact Winslow was able to avoid the injury bug was a pleasant surprise, but his season was not spectacular.

Winslow started 2013 with 17 receptions in the first 5 games, including 6 against Tampa Bay and 7 against Tennessee. However, a PED suspension cost him 4 games, and he was never much of factor after that. He never again had more than 3 receptions in a game and only once went over 35 receiving yards.

Winslow is probably nearing the end of his career. He was always small for his position, mainly a receiving threat. The deterioration of his knee has robbed him of much of the explosiveness that made him a difficult matchup. He can run crisp routes and read defenses, but he isn't the kind of player who worries a defense or can destroy you.

I have made this analogy before, but I will do so one more time. Last year the Jets had minimal cap space. They were like the guy who needs a car when money is really tight. They can't afford a good so they have to settle for one that is barely functional and hope it lasts a year. A year later, the guy might have a new job and be making more money just as the Jets now have more cap space. It makes no sense to stick with that car when he can get one that fits his needs, and I don't really see any reason to stick with Winslow. He is an injury fill-in. I suppose they might invite him to camp just in case somebody gets hurt in preseason, but I don't think he should be on the 2014 roster.