Winslow tries to low-key first day on job

Thursday, Aug. 12, 2004 | 9:15 a.m.

SUN WIRE REPORTS

Rookie tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. was uncharacteristically humble after his first practice with the Cleveland Browns.

Looking exhausted one day after a round of late-night negotiations resulted in a contract, Winslow acknowledged that he has a lot of catching up to do after a 12-day holdout.

"I am very far behind. My head is spinning," he said. "I've got a lot to learn."

Winslow, who has called himself "The Chosen One" and said he expects to surpass his father's Hall of Fame career, signed a six-year contract Wednesday that makes him the highest paid tight end in NFL history.

A team source said the deal has a base salary of $29 million and could be worth up to $40 million if Winslow reaches all his incentives. It includes a $16.5 million signing bonus, said the source, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

"It feels great, like I won the lottery," Winslow said.

His contract exceeds the $31 million deal Kansas City's Tony Gonzalez signed in 2002. That package included a $10 million signing bonus, which was the most ever for a tight end.

With his father, Kellen Winslow Sr., and agent Kevin Poston looking on, Winslow Jr. caught two touchdown passes during practice with the Browns' second and third teams Wednesday morning.

Browns coach Butch Davis said he needs to evaluate where Winslow is physically before deciding whether he will play in the team's opening preseason game Saturday at Tennessee.

He had an arthroscopic procedure Wednesday to repair what an MRI exam indicated was a slightly torn meniscus, but further examination found a more significant tear that required additional surgery.

"We're on schedule," Shockey said. "If we keep being smart about it and don't push it, there's no reason why next week I can't go full speed."

He will not play Friday in the Giants' preseason opener.