Archives for March 6, 2004

‘Winfield built a reputation in Buffalo as a solid cover corner and one of the best tackling defensive backs in the NFL. He is not known for big plays. He has just one interception in his last 37 games. The Vikings, however, are in dire need of cornerback help and had $33 million to spend under the salary cap.’

‘”We like the group,” Donahoe said of his defensive ends including right side starter Aaron Schobel and McKenzie. “We’ve got to improve … got to get better. (But) we finished ninth in sacks last season, which seems to get lost. Am I saying we wouldn’t look at a pass rusher, ‘No.’ But I think we feel better about that group than some of the (media) people in this room.”‘

‘”I saw the snow and was like, ‘This is home,’ ” Winfield said. “I live in Buffalo.”‘

‘Winfield is considered one of the NFL’s top 10 cornerbacks. He has just six career interceptions but is known for not giving up big plays. “He’s a unique player,” said Cottrell, the Bills’ defensive coordinator when Winfield was the No. 23 overall draft pick out of Ohio State in 1999. “I coached him for two years and loved it. He’s one of the best defensive players in the league.”‘

‘Tice never stopped trying to call Winfield’s agent Thursday. When he got through, he persuaded Winfield to take a late flight to Minnesota. Tice sent a friend’s private jet to Long Island to fetch Winfield, his wife and his two agents out from under the Jets. “I didn’t feel good until he was in a limo and on the way to the airport,” Tice said.’

‘The Browns entertained three free agents in addition to Garcia on Friday: Guard Ron Stone of San Francisco, running back/special teamer Sammy Morris of Buffalo and fullback Jameel Cook of Tampa Bay. If any sign, Stone seems most likely.’

‘When asked what made him decide on the Vikings, Winfield said, “Once we got off the plane, I seen the snow and I was like, ‘This is home.””

‘A 1999 first-round pick, Winfield spent his first five seasons with the Buffalo Bills. Despite being just 5-9, he is an aggressive cover corner.’

‘VU has been told the contract total is $34.8 million over six years with a $10.8 million signing bonus. Under the terms of the deal, Winfield is guaranteed $12.5 million in the first year of the contract with signing bonus and base salary combined.’

‘Winfield, who spent the first five seasons of his career with the Buffalo Bills, reportedly came to terms with New York on Thursday after meeting with team all day. While the Jets said no deal was ever reached, published reports indicated Winfield backed off due to personal reasons.’

‘”We’re excited to add our target free agent,” said Vikings Head Coach Mike Tice. “We’ve quietly taken care of our top two priorities with Antoine and Jimmy Kleinsasser. Everyone in the organization worked extremely hard to get these deals done and I’m proud of everyone for the job they did.”‘

‘Winfield lacks prototype cornerback stature but, at 5-feet-9 and 180 pounds, plays bigger than his size and is known for his aggressive approach to the game. His one shortcoming is a lack of big plays, as evidenced by his interception total, but that didn’t seem to scare off any of his suitors.’