Eric Winston Signing With Chiefs Garners High Grades

Walter Cherepinsky is ranking all of the NFL free agent moves shortly after they are reported, and the Kansas City Chiefs are faring well thus far. Specifically their move signing Eric Winston as their new right tackle is earning rave reviews.

Cherepinsky writes, "The Chiefs just solidified their biggest need (right tackle) with the top player at his position on the market - all at a pretty reasonable price. Not too shabby. I'm slightly concerned about why the Texans cut Eric Winston in the first place, but this appears to be a really good move. "

Replacing Barry Richardson with Winston represents a tremendous upgrade for the team and bolsters the right side of a line blocking for Peyton Hillis and Jamaal Charles. The tandem could enjoy success near or at the top of the rushing list as a team if they perform as expected. After all, Hillis is better than Thomas Jones from two seasons ago and those two helped the Chiefs pace the NFL in rushing yardage.

Eric Winston Called The 'Best Right Tackle In Football' By New York Times

The Kansas City Chiefs had one major hole on their roster that they needed to address this offseason. According to the New York Times, they did so by adding the best player at his position in right tackle Eric Winston.

Right tackle was previously manned by Barry Richardson the last two seasons, but an upgrade was needed heading into 2012. Richardson was a free agent anyway, and the team went out in search of potential help. Winston was brought in to Kansas City after he was unexpectedly cut due to salary cap issues in Houston, and the Chiefs won the sweepstakes despite interest from multiple teams.

Andy Benoit writes, "The Texans surprised most everyone by releasing Eric Winston, the premier right tackle in football. The rest of the N.F.L. surprised no one by showing interest in Winston. The Chiefs ultimately came away with him, thanks to a four-year contract worth over $22 million.

“Winston is an effective movement-oriented run blocker who can land clean contact in space and at the second level. He makes Kansas City’s addition of running back Peyton Hillis more valuable. In pass protection, Winston is not the most consistent force, but unlike a lot of right tackles, he doesn’t require constant help.”

The Chiefs now have Jon Asamoah and WInston on the right side at this point, and the tandem should enhance all aspects of the Chiefs offense. Brian Daboll, the team’s new offensive coordinator, has to love the new toys he’s been given this offseason.

For more on the Chiefs offseason and free agency new, go check out Arrowhead Pride, and for all NFL free agency updates, check out SB Nation's NFL hub.

Chiefs Sign Right Tackle Eric Winston To A 4-Year, $22 Million Contract

Earlier on Saturday the Kansas City Chiefs announced that they had signed right tackle Eric Winston who was released this past week by the Houston Texans. The details of the contract have now been release with Winston and the Chiefs agreeing on a four-year contract worth $22 million. The specific details of guaranteed money and the amount per year have not been disclosed.

Chiefs Sign Eric Winston To Play Right Tackle

The Kansas City Chiefs pounced on the opportunity to sign right tackle Eric Winston who was released by the Houston Texans on Monday. The signing of Winston fills a huge void for the Chiefs: