Arizona Cardinals: Grading Eric Winston Signing

October 14, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tackle Eric Winston (74) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Cardinals made yet another excellent move that fans are not accustomed to seeing in the Eric Winston signing. The signing of Winston the day before camp illustrates even more the change in regime and a new progressive way of thinking by GM Steve Keim. Previous regimes would have typically sat back and did nothing while fans, pundits and experts spoke of what appeared to be obvious fits on the market, a la Marc Bulger comes to mind.

Winston comes in at the veteran’s minimum on a one-year deal. A low risk high reward move that everyone applauds. Winston has started every game the past five years and, by all accounts, is a solid starting right-tackle in the NFL. How he was still a free agent is literally beyond me. Winston was released by the Chiefs presumably as a cap casualty that coincided with a new coach and GM combo entering the picture in Kanas City.

I predict by week one Winston will be starting at right-tackle. How that affects the rest of the offensive line only time will tell. I also predicted months ago on my twitter that either Daryn Colledge or Levi Brown would not make this team. I still stand by that, and I like it even more now with Winston in the fold. Although, now I think the odd man out will be Colledge. His salary/performance just doesn’t justify keeping him as a backup

If things work out with Winston on the right side, I bet the Cardinals extend him and cut Brown next year. We have young talented options at left tackle with Massie and Potter on the cheap for three more years which allows the Cardinals to enjoy Winston’s services on the right side for a decent contract. Of course Brown could have a great year in 2013 and that’d be just even more gravy! One thing is for sure, the best five will play.

This signing is an A+ move and I think the Cardinals are shaping up to surprise some people.