San Diego Chargers Still Open to Signing Eric Winston

It’s been a few weeks since Eric Winston was let go by the Kansas City Chiefs, and while he said he respected the team for timing of his release, he has yet to fully benefit from that and remains without a job. While Winston has been linked to numerous teams, the Union-Tribune San Diego is reporting that the Chargers have left the door open to Winston and are still toying with the idea of signing him before the draft.

"The door remains open on the possibility the ex-Chiefs right tackle could come to San Diego, a team source said Wednesday. While the Chargers’ interest is for certain, that a deal will materialize is not, as nothing appears imminent at this time."

Should the Charger move on Winston and ink him to a deal, they would then be able to cut loose incumbent right tackle Jeromey Clary and thusly save $2.3 million versus the salary cap. There is heavy speculation that the Chargers will spend the 11th overall pick in this April’s draft on a left tackle, meaning new head coach Mike McCoy could instantly upgrade the unit from what it was last year.

Making Philip Rivers successful in San Diego is McCoy’s first priority, as the fate of the franchise essentially rests on that working out. In order to make sure he gets the most out of his quarterback, the offensive line will have to be markedly improved during McCoy’s first year and adding both a veteran tackle and a rookie tackle is a move that makes sense.

Still, nothing is imminent at this time, so don’t go busting out your XXL Winston jersey’s just yet. But there could be a move on the horizon, and the fact that Winston is familiar with the AFC West is something that can’t hurt.