Eric Mangini's Decision To Part Ways With Kellen Winslow Paying Off Already

Former Browns tight end Kellen Winslow is already making headlines for the wrong reasons down in Tampa, Florida.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers first-year head coach Raheem Morris told the USA Today that Winslow needs to learn to “control his emotions.”

Morris acknowledged that Winslow is “definitely talented, but he is starting to get an idea of the problems he’s had.”

When Browns head coach Eric Mangini and general manager George Kokinis decided to deal Winslow this past offseason, they did so with the anticipation that he would be a distraction to the team in regards to his wanting a new contract.

After Tampa Bay acquired Winslow, their new front office rewarded him with the richest contract for a tight end in NFL history.

Winslow has stated that he is a “changed man” since he came into the NFL in 2004, but might already be on his new boss’ bad side.

The Browns received the 50th selection in the second round of this year’s draft and a fifth-round pick in next year’s draft for Winslow.

Kokinis and Mangini used this year’s pick on wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi, who has reportedly impressed the coaching staff through two weeks of training camp.

Massaquoi could very well challenge fellow rookie Brian Robiskie and veteran Mike Furrey for a starting spot if he performs well in preseason.

I bring this topic up because I find it hard to believe that Winslow’s temperament would have been tolerated by this new regime. So far, Mangini has instilled discipline and a “no nonsense” culture in Berea, and Winslow would probably still be begging for a new contract.

Reports have been positive on new acquisition Robert Royal and second-year player Martin Rucker. With Steve Heiden slowly making it back onto the field, it appears that Royal will be the starter and Rucker will be the primary receiving threat from the tight end position.

For once, it’s good to see the Browns dump a headache to another team instead of inheriting one.