Redskins cut Chamberlain

The urge to draft Miami tight end Kellen Winslow II might be intensifying for the Washington Redskins, who yesterday cut ties with potential H-back starter Byron Chamberlain.

Chamberlain, a 2001 Pro Bowl pick with the Minnesota Vikings, was cut 21/2 weeks after showing up for coach Joe Gibbs’ first minicamp some 20 pounds overweight.

The Redskins’ H-back position now looks questionable without Chamberlain and Bryan Johnson (the latter traded to the Chicago Bears last month). The top options now appear to be journeyman Mike Sellers and 2003 undrafted rookie Kevin Ware.

H-back is a crucial spot in Gibbs’ offense because the tight end is used mostly for protection and there often aren’t more than two wide receivers on the field. Walter Rasby and Robert Royal are slated to play tight end. Winslow, who caught 60 passes for the Hurricanes last season, could become a star at H-back for Washington.

The Redskins did sign tight end Brian Kozlowski yesterday to compensate for Chamberlain’s departure, but Kozlowski, 33, has only 78 receptions in a 10-year NFL career with the New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons.

Chamberlain, 32, is no stranger to weight problems. The Vikings released him last season when he returned overweight from a four-game suspension for testing positive for ephedra.

The Redskins quickly signed him to a two-year, $1.5million contract, but coach Steve Spurrier used Chamberlain sparingly. Chamberlain finished with four catches for 29 yards.

Even as Chamberlain was being discussed as a possible starter at H-back during last month’s minicamp, it was clear he was out of shape. A club source said he was about 20 pounds over his target weight of 250 pounds.

There is no guarantee Washington will select Winslow at No.5 overall. The club also is eyeing Miami safety Sean Taylor, who concluded a visit yesterday, and a variety of trade-down scenarios. There also are rumors that the Redskins might try to trade up to No.2 to grab Iowa tackle Robert Gallery.

If Winslow becomes the focus, the Redskins will have to worry about a team, perhaps the Cleveland Browns, trying to jump them and grab Winslow at No.4, where the Giants are slated to pick.

A key issue in the Winslow debate is his representation. According to sources, the Redskins are concerned about selecting Winslow because he is represented by the Poston brothers, Kevin and Carl, who have a history of tough negotiations and recently charged Washington with removing a $6.5million roster bonus from linebacker LaVar Arrington’s contract.

The latest snag in Arrington’s contract is about the group licensing clause. He declined to participate in the NFL’s group licensing for his first four NFL seasons but didn’t cross out the clause — thus accepting the terms — in his contract extension in December.

Although the official availability of Arrington’s jersey was trumpeted at the time, he apparently is unhappy with the collectively bargained terms. According to sources familiar with the matter, the NFL Players Association is trying to negotiate a resolution before Arrington files an injunction to stop the use of his likeness.

Note — The Redskins also signed wide receiver Gari Scott, who tried out in the late-March minicamp.