Seattle Seahawks Acquire Former Pro Bowl TE Kellen Winslow Jr.

The Seattle Seahawks do not know who their quarterback is heading into the 2012 NFL season, but they may have just added a pivotal piece to improve that undetermined gunslinger’s opportunity for success.

According to the Everett Herald’s John Boyle, the Seahawks have made a trade to acquire former Pro Bowl tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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The #Seahawks made a trade to acquire TE Kellen Winslow.

— John Boyle (@johnpboyle) May 22, 2012

 

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Seahawks owner Paul Allen confirmed the move on his Twitter page, adding that it was for a future conditional draft pick.

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@Seahawks have acquired TE Kellen Winslow Jr. in a trade with Tampa for a future conditional pick...Helps the offense.Welcome to the Hawks!

— Paul Allen (@PaulGAllen) May 22, 2012

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The news comes not even 24 hours after Winslow himself announced that he had been placed on the trading block by the Bucs on Monday morning on Sirius XM radio.

It is no secret Winslow can be a bit of a loose cannon, and that is why the Bucs—who may be moving to a more receiver-friendly offensive system with the arrival of former Giants quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan at offensive coordinator anyhow—have no issue cutting ties with the former Miami Hurricane “soldier” as soon as possible.

Winslow has been a valuable asset on offense for the Bucs, eclipsing at least 700 yards receiving in each of his three seasons in Tampa Bay.  

He has made an impact in the red zone as well, with 13 touchdowns in that time.

His ability to contribute is evident, and in a league shifting to popular two-tight end sets with athletic, playmaking tight ends such as Winslow, he could make a huge impact for a developing offense in Seattle.

Winslow’s presence could lift a heavy load off of whichever quarterback the Seahawks do decide to go with as their starter in 2012.

Should he continue to be a healthy—after injuries early in his career, he has played in every game three years straight—and productive player, this acquisition at what appears to be a very cheap price could be just the punch the Seahawks offense needed to compete in the NFC West.

Louis Musto is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter.