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The Miami Dolphins and Eric Winston have been rumored to be destined for each other since last year. Miami was looking at the free agent tackle in the 2012 offseason, but general manager Jeff Ireland was not willing to break the bank, and Winston signed for bigger money with the Kansas City Chiefs. A year later, the Chiefs cut him and Miami is once again in pursuit.
And, once again, the Dolphins are not willing to pay Winston a top tier salary. This year, it looks more like the Dolphins could end up signing the tackle than last year, but it has not been a quick agreement to terms.
Winston signed a four-year, $22 million deal with the Chiefs last free agency period. This year, it's likely the Dolphins are only willing to give him a one-year contract, similar to the deal they worked out with cornerback Brent Grimes yesterday. The Dolphins are looking to get younger this year, and a 29-year-old tackle who has been allowed to hit free agency two years in a row does not scream long-term answer in Miami.
Winston, a third round pick in 2006, has started every game over the past six seasons and is an ideal fit for a zone-blocking offensive line. The logic of Winston, who attend the University of Miami, and the Dolphins working out a deal is undeniable. It's just a matter of how long does Winston continue to try to find big money before he realizes the Dolphins are the best option out there for him?