Last week, we explored four potential free agent matches for the Minnesota Vikings in this column, but there’s a noteworthy possibility we may have overlooked. This week’s column also delves into topics such as Kevin O’Connell’s contract, the Vikings’ Ring of Honor, and speculation about which opponents the Vikings could encounter in London next season.
In a surprising move in March 2004, the Minnesota Vikings signed cornerback Antoine Winfield as a free agent to a six-year, $34.8 million contract. Despite expectations that Winfield would join the New York Jets, Vikings coach Mike Tice persuaded him to visit Minnesota, and the decision proved successful. Over nine seasons with the Vikings, Winfield, though not large at 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds, showcased exceptional tackling skills and established himself as one of the league’s premier slot corners.
Fast forward twenty years, and there’s speculation about the possibility of a similar scenario unfolding for the Vikings with Antoine Winfield Jr. The younger Winfield displayed comparable defensive prowess during his college football career at the University of Minnesota. Surprisingly, despite his success in the Vikings’ backyard, the team opted not to select Winfield Jr. with its second first-round pick in the 2020 draft. Instead, they chose cornerback Jeff Gladney, who was later released in August 2021 after off-the-field issues and tragically killed in a car crash two months later.
Winfield Jr., now a safety, was drafted by Tampa Bay with the 45th pick in the second round and has enjoyed four impressive seasons with the Buccaneers. As speculation arises about the Vikings potentially placing Winfield Jr. in Harrison Smith’s safety position if the veteran does not return in 2024, the prospect seems fitting for Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who favors employing three safeties in his scheme.
However, acquiring Winfield Jr. might not come cheap. The Spotrac website projects a potential four-year, $74 million contract, averaging $18.5 million per year. There’s also the possibility that the Buccaneers, with the 10th most salary-cap space in the NFL at $37.2 million, might outbid other teams or use the franchise tag on Winfield. While the Vikings, ranked 15th with $24.7 million in salary-cap space, face several needs and key decisions on their existing players, the notion of making a bid to bring a Winfield back in purple garners approval from many fans.
Be the first to comment