4 NFL Teams That Must Pull the Trigger on Kellen Winslow Trade

As reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have worked out free-agent Dallas Clark. This is in light of the recent news that current tight end Kellen Winslow told SiriusXM NFL radio's Ross Tucker that the team is looking to trade him and that he won't be with the Bucs this year.

If Tampa Bay can't find a buyer for Winslow, they will likely release him and set him free on the open market. While the 28-year-old has a strong personality that has turned off teammates and coaches in the past, he still has tremendous value as a pass-catcher.

During his three seasons with the Bucs, Winslow averaged 72.6 catches, 792.3 yards and four touchdowns per season. While he has had knee problems in the past, his contract is relatively low-risk. Winslow will make $3.3 million in 2012, $4.5 million in 2013 and $5.5 million in 2014. 

There are several teams that could use a pass-catching tight end and should jump at the chance to land a guy with Winslow's talent level. Here's a look at which franchises should be calling the Buccaneers as soon as possible.

St. Louis Rams

The Rams need to get franchise quarterback Sam Bradford as many weapons as possible, and Winslow would be a huge upgrade at tight end. 

Lance Kendricks had a nice rookie season in 2011, hauling in 28 catches for 352 yards, but he's not at the level of a No. 1 tight end yet. Winslow would be.

After losing Brandon Lloyd in free agency, Bradford will be stuck throwing to a bunch of unproven wide receivers. Steve Smith was picked up in the offseason, but thanks to injury problems he hasn't done much since catching 107 passes in 2009 for the New York Giants. 

Winslow would give Bradford a reliable target with a knack for getting open. He's not a good blocker and wouldn't give the Rams much in the running game, but he could operate almost as another wide receiver. 

It would almost certainly not cost the Rams anything more than a late-round draft pick to secure Winslow and he would be worth it.

Oakland Raiders

With Kevin Boss off to Kansas City in free agency, the Oakland Raiders are without a single reliable tight end on their roster. 

Second-year players David Ausberry, Richard Gordon and Brandon Myers, plus rookie Kyle Efaw, are all that Oakland currently has. Those players have a combined 19 career receptions. 

The main worry about Winslow is his difficult personality, but the Raiders have never been shy about adding guys like that. 

Oakland has committed to Carson Palmer for the near future and they must surround him with talent if they want him to be successful. Winslow would immediately provide him with a top target to throw to, something he doesn't currently have.

Arizona Cardinals

Todd Heap was a major disappointment in his first season with the Cardinals, catching just 24 passes for 283 yards and a touchdown. The 32-year-old is clearly past his prime.

While Arizona's passing offense is sure to focus on star wideout Larry Fitzgerald and rookie Michael Floyd, having a guy like Winslow taking up space in the middle of the field would make life a whole lot easier for quarterbacks Kevin Kolb and John Skelton.

Jeff King had 27 receptions for 271 yards and three scores in 2011. King is no more than a reserve tight end based on skill level. Winslow could easily double those numbers. 

The Cardinals desperately need to upgrade themselves offensively. Their quarterback situation isn't ideal, but the only way to improve things at this point is to get more weapons for whoever wins the job under center. Winslow would help tremendously.

Buffalo Bills

The Bills did an excellent job upgrading their defense through free agency and the draft. They also upgraded their offensive line by grabbing Zebrie Sanders and Cordy Glenn in the draft. But they have yet to add any weapons for quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Scott Chandler had a nice season in 2011, catching 38 passes for 389 yards and six touchdowns, but there is no guarantee he can repeat that kind of success. And after Chandler, the team's depth chart at tight end is bare. 

Winslow would give Fitzpatrick another reliable pair of hands to go along with Stevie Johnson, David Nelson and Chandler. He is a proven commodity who can get open and make defenses pay for keying on other guys. 

This seems like a perfect fit, as the Bills really need to boost their offense after it collapsed during the second half of 2011.