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Former Seattle Seahawks tight end Kellen Winslow is reportedly ready to sign with the New England Patriots following the injury to starter Aaron Hernandez and despite Winslow's supposed failure of a physical when he worked out with the Patriots earlier this year.
NFL's Gregg Rosenthal said the team and Winslow will meet later Tuesday while other media outlets say that the deal is a one-year contract. Winslow's agent, Denise White, tweeted a congratulations at Winslow earlier Tuesday.
Congrats to our client @kellenwinslowjr for signing with the Patriots!!!
— Denise White (@DeniseWhite_EAG) September 18, 2012
Winslow was released by the Seahawks this offseason despite still appearing to have gas in the tank. He went for 763 yards on 75 catches last season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Though it's unclear how much opportunity there will be with New England, the injury to Hernandez will shift the depth chart dramatically, enough for Winslow to perhaps see the occasional snap. Rosenthal cited sources who said Hernandez will be out four to six weeks with an ankle sprain suffered in the Patriots' Week 2 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
Check out more Seattle Seahawks coverage at Field Gulls or hit up Pats Pulpit for more on New England.