Eric Winston has quickly shot to the top of the list as the top free agent offensive lineman on the market and after getting attention from the New England Patriots, both the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles have emerged as options for the tackle.
According to ESPN.com, Adam Schefter reported that the Patriots were interested in Winston, but after re-signing free agent right tackle Sebastian Vollmer to a contract, the team is likely out of the running. The Patriots signed the free agent right tackle over the weekend, although details were not released about the contract.
Vollmer was a second round pick for the Patriots in 2009 and it appeared the team was ready to allow the 28-year-old leave while signing Winston, but instead the two sides came together. Vollmer has been a stalwart on the line for the Patriots and helped them to a top five ranked rushing attack while playing in 15 games last season.
Vollmer dealt with knee surgery in February, but he should be ready for the beginning of the season. Winston was released by the Kansas City Chiefs after signing a four-year, $22 million deal last year and he was cut in early March.
Winston is a 6-foot-7, 310-pound lineman who was previously with the Texans for six season before moving to Kansas City. Winston made headlines last season by coming out to defend Matt Cassel after fans booed him when he was injured and he is known as a veteran presence and an intelligent player in the trenches.
The Eagles and the Cowboys both have needs on the offensive line and are the top options now that the Patriots are out of the running.
