| The Bucs reportedly signed Clark Monday, which could mean Winslow has played his last game in Tampa. (US PRESSWIRE) |
On Monday, tight end Kellen Winslow announced that the Buccaneers didn't want him, in part because he hasn't participated in the team's offseason workouts. Ultimately, the team would like to trade him. That news led to reports that former Colts tight end Dallas Clark, who had visited the Bucs recently, would be signed.
That eventuality became a reality Monday afternoon, according to Scout.com's Aaron Wilson, who reports that Tampa Bay has indeed agreed to terms with Clark, the former Colts Pro Bowler. Discounting 2011, when he caught just 34 passes from Indianapolis quarterbacks not named Peyton, Clark averaged 49 receptions a season with Peyton Manning under center from 2002-2010. He'll now join a Bucs team with a young quarterback (Josh Freeman) and a rookie head coach (Greg Schiano) looking to rebound from a four-win season.
There was some speculation that Clark might retire after injuries had slowed him in recent years. He was sidelined for five games in 2011 and only played in six games the year before that. In the previous three seasons he missed just two games combined.
Clark also visited the Patriots this offseason, though conventional wisdom figured he'd end up in Denver with Manning and former teammate Brandon Stokley.
As for the Bucs, they will now have to decide what to do with Winslow, who was the No. 6 pick in the 2004 draft out of the University of Miami and is perhaps best known for his unhinged "I'm a solider!" monologue while playing for the Hurricanes. That took place nearly nine years ago, which should tell you all you need to know about his NFL career.
Rotoworld reports that Tampa Bay would save $4.8 million in the salary cap if it parts ways with Winslow, who signed a six-year, $36.1 million contract in 2009 that paid him a guaranteed $20.1 million. He is due a $3.3 million base salary this year.
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