Update***Kirk has informed me that he had a source listening to Michael Reghi on WKNR ESPN 850, and the source said that Reghi announced the trading of Kellen Winslow Jr. to the Bucs was in exchange for a 2nd round pick this year (50th overall) and a 5th rounder in next years draft.***

-J.V.

Kellen Winslow's wild and crazy adventure with the Cleveland Browns has come to quite an unceremonius end.  Winslow was shipped by the new regime of Kokinis-Mangini to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for two undisclosed draft picks.  Early indications are that one of the picks is Tampa Bay's second round pick in this year's draft (50th overall).

Kokinis and Mangini must have felt they were dealing from a position of strength with solid veteran Steve Heiden and rookie fourth-rounder Martin Rucker on the roster at tight-end.  What this effectively does is help replenish the draft that Phil Savage robbed blind with his hasty deals to acquire veterans and higher draft picks in an attempt to make the Browns competitive (Brady Quinn, Eric Wright, etc.).  So, if you are looking to play the blame game, Phil Savage should not escape responsibility for this one, and that is why he is currently unemployed.

What do I think about this trade?  Well, draft picks are no guarantee for impact talent, especially when they are second-round and lower.  Kellen Winslow is a Pro-bowl caliber tight end and the Browns' most consistent offensive weapon when healthy.  I say when healthy because that has not been a given with Winslow.  He has the knees of someone who is collecting retirement and wears their pants past their belly button.  Even though Winslow is injury-prone, he will not be easily replaced on this team.  Furthermore, I feel this will further alienate a fan base that is already dealing with a re-tread head coach, a first-time general manager, and a DT in Shaun Rogers who wants to be traded or released because of the new head coach's actions.  Yes, things cannot get much worse for the Brownies.  They might actually have made more positive moves in the three years that they were non-existent from '96 to '99 than they have made since the season ended.

If they are willing to trade Winslow, then the Browns' front office better trade Derek Anderson as well.  Winslow was WAY more vital to this team's current structure than their current backup QB.  If the Browns just wanted picks, they could have likely just traded D.A.  But, this issue goes much deeper.  It appears the Browns are trying to eliminate the egos and personal agendas on this team.  Winslow certainly fits the bill, but he also has something that not a lot of current Browns do have.... talent.

You know what they say, nice guys finish last.

J.V. will be bringing you more coverage of this developing story.

Kirk