Kellen Winslow Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz Around Buccaneers TE

Despite having three respectable years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2009-2011, Kellen Winslow will always be overshadowed by his father's NFL success.

And that's unfortunate, because Winslow did have two good years in Cleveland (2006 and 2007) as well. That said, he never lived up to expectations, and may be on the way out of Tampa before the 2012 season kicks off.

According to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk, Winslow was informed by the Buccaneers about the situation:

"

Winslow said today on Sirius XM NFL Radio that the Bucs have told him they don’t want him and will help him find the right team to trade him to.

If the Bucs can’t find a trading partner, they’ll likely release him.

"

This comes as no surprise, considering that Winslow is also turning 29 before the season, and has made just one Pro Bowl. Tampa Bay is rebuilding, and a run-blocking tight end is needed more than anything right now.

Still, the man is a reliable receiving target over the middle, and can make a solid impact in the right system. So, let's take a quick look at some teams where Winslow can contribute in 2012.

New York Giants

The Giants are depleted at the tight end position, and Winslow's experience alone would benefit Big Blue's offense. For one, New York can run the rock well with Ahmad Bradshaw and rookie David Wilson to set up the play-action.

Winslow would also see many single coverage situations, as receivers Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz receiver most of the coverage attention. The Giants are also appealing, as they've won two Super Bowls with Eli Manning and have a sound defense to rely on.

Even in a limited role that can be cut to strict passing situations, Winslow's ability to get open over the middle and beat linebackers would spread a defense for Manning to dish around and use the field.

Kansas City Chiefs

There's one missing piece to the Kansas City offense, and it's a receiving tight end. Provided that Dwayne Bowe gets back on board before the season kicks off, the Chiefs would take another step toward contending for the division with Winslow in the slot.

K.C. already has a stout ground game, and presents a two-back threat in Jamaal Charles and Peyton Hillis. Working off play-action helps, and the AFC West isn't the most dominant against the pass either.

Matt Cassel is a mobile and strong-armed quarterback that could hit Winslow downfield off double-moves, and his addition would make the Chiefs more explosive. With an impressive defense to suffocate opposing offenses, Winslow moving to Kansas City would significantly increase the Chiefs' playoff odds.

Chicago Bears

Much like the Chiefs, the final piece to the Chicago Bears' offensive puzzle is finding a receiving tight end. In the pass-heavy NFC North, Chicago has a great opportunity to gain ground on Green Bay and Detroit by bringing Winslow in.

For one, Brandon Marshall's presence would stretch defenses back to open up the second level and also help the run game. Michael Bush proved to be a potential No. 1 ball-carrier in Oakland last season, so he'll slam the rock at a good pace against the weak NFC North defenses.

As for Winslow, he would see a lot of open routes, since Johnny Knox is one of the better No. 2 slot machines in the game. Jay Cutler can make all the throws, and Winslow would see more targets to increase production in the Windy City than anywhere else.

John Rozum on Twitter.