Easop Winston's Preseason Play 'Nothing New': Roster Spot Next?

The Seattle Seahawks have some roster decisions to make prior to Tuesday's cut deadline. And after Saturday's performance against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in the preseason finale, receiver Easop Winston Jr. is showing why he's deserving of a spot in the final 53.

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll praised Winston for his performance after finishing as the game's leading receiver with three catches for 74 yards in what turned out to be a 19-15 loss for Seattle.

“He has great hands. He catches the heck out of the football all the time, so there is nothing new there, but he came through," Carroll said. "You still have to do that in the game. I’m really glad that he got the opportunity to show that and put it on film.”

Winston finished the preseason slate with six catches for 103 yards and one touchdown. But despite some flashes in preseason, Winston is far from a lock to make the roster. 

However, his presence could certainly be needed early on with rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba expected to miss a few weeks with a wrist fracture and Dee Eskridge suspended for the first six games of the season. He'll also be able to provide a spark on kick returns if necessary.

Winston, who was previously waived by the Seahawks in April after spending time on their practice squad last season, went undrafted out of Washington State in 2020 following an impressive collegiate career.

He then signed with the Los Angeles Rams practice squad before eventually being signed to the 53-man roster of the New Orleans Saints in 2021. He recorded the only regular-season catch of his career - a five-yard grab - in the Saints' 30-9 win over the New York Jets in Week 14 of the 2021 season.

However, Winston still managed to appear in three games with one start during his time in New Orleans, serving primarily as a returner on kickoffs. He returned 10 kicks for 119 yards, which ranked second on the team that season. His 11.9 yards per return led the team.

Winston now waits to see if Seattle values him as one of the 53 once Tuesday's deadline rolls around. If he doesn't make the roster, it seems likely that the Seahawks would try to bring him back to the practice squad if he clears waivers.

You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7