Eric Winston's release is the start of the Chiefs roster turnover

While we're surprised that Eric Winston was cut by the Kansas City Chiefs, we should've known a move like this was coming. Any time a new regime takes over, there's turnover.

By Joel Thorman@JoelThorman Mar 6, 2013, 8:09pm CST

Are you surprised the Kansas City Chiefs cut Eric Winston? I am. I definitely am. While we knew change was possible, this isn't the type of change I was thinking of. Winston is considered a very good right tackle in the NFL and the Chiefs had him at a contract that we thought the Chiefs could reasonably afford. Apparently not.

Winston announced his release on Twitter.

For me, there's one big picture point to remember in this: we expected change. We knew it was coming. We just didn't know who. Any time a new GM and/or head coach comes on board, there is always change. We know that and talked about it.

No, I didn't think it would be Winston, which is why I'm so shocked. But I expected a move like this, something that would throw me off guard. (Expecting the unexpected. Beat that!)

It's not the perfect comparison but I think of Bernard Pollard's release back in 2009. He was a former second round pick with three years of experience who made lots of highlight-reel hits. People didn't expect him to get cut. And, on the 2009 roster cut down day, there he was. Cut. This thanks to then new Pioli regime.

Winston's sort of the same way. The vast majority of conversations about the Chiefs in free agency, the draft and next season assumed that Winston would be the starting right tackle.

Remember how we were talking earlier this week about the Chiefs having so many options with the No. 1 pick, and no one knowing what they'll do? I think it's going to be a while before we know what they'll do.

Big important note: the Chiefs aren't done making roster moves. More could be coming before March 12, the start of the new league year. The story of the offseason has been about adding players, from Alex Smith to Dwayne Bowe to Dustin Colquitt to Branden Albert. Winston's release makes you wonder if we'll see more big moves. I suspect we'll a few (lookin' at you, Matt Cassel).