Winfield released

[PacificNorseWest]

I might throw up if he lands in Seattle.

You ain't lyin'....smh

[Mothman]

Dan Wiederer sums up the Winfield situation:

http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikin ... 33061.html

This was interesting:

Fans, believe it or not, have played at least a small role in aiding the Vikings’ cause in the past two weeks. The news that Winfield had been released proved jarring to so many Viking backers who’d grown attached to his hustle and toughness and savvy over the past nine years. Many fans, upset with the Vikings’ business move, began sending support letters and e-mails to Winfield and his camp. The outpouring of love was significant. And one NFL source said that if the cornerback does decide to circle back to reunite with the Vikings, there will be three big reasons he does so. “The biggest factors in potentially pulling Antoine back there would be a) coaching staff; b) teammates; c) fans,” the source said. “The fan support has been overwhelming. And it does mean something.”

[The Breeze]

Dan Wiederer sums up the Winfield situation:

http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikin ... 33061.html

This was interesting:

Very interesting. That's indicative of the kind of person he seems to be. I think everyone loves the guy's ethic. Ever since he came from Buffalo he's been a model player. It's pretty obvious he brings a lot more than just physical skills. If he comes back I hope he gets a huge standing ovation in the Dome.

For the life of me, I can't find any sound reason for releasing him the way that they did.

[dead_poet]

Good read.

Antoine Winfield – PFF’s No. 1 Cornerback?

Winfield finished the season with a +25.5 grade, narrowly edging Richard Sherman (+25.1) to the top spot in our CB rankings, but that’s only part of the story. If you look purely at coverage, Sherman’s grade (+26.4) is almost four times higher than Winfield’s (+7.0), and there is no doubt that Sherman was the superior player in that regard last season.

He may have been atop the overall grade rankings among cornerbacks, but nobody at PFF will try and tell you that Antoine Winfield was the best corner in football last season.

That being said, his grade was impressive for a player of his age and perhaps most notably of all, he graded positively across the board, in every area we analyze for the position. Though he may not have been able to touch the top corners when it came to coverage alone, he still ranked inside the Top 20 in that area and teamed with it an ability that is completely unmatched by his cornerback peers – his play against the run and the short passing game.

Against the run Winfield’s grade was almost twice as good as any other corner. On the season he made 44 stops (tackles that constitute an offensive failure), a dozen more than the next best player. Of those stops, 26 were in the run game, logging one on 7.3% of his run snaps, again the top mark by a corner by some distance and one that is actually closer to the norm for linebackers than it is among corners.

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2 ... ornerback/

[Mothman]

Very interesting. That's indicative of the kind of person he seems to be. I think everyone loves the guy's ethic. Ever since he came from Buffalo he's been a model player. It's pretty obvious he brings a lot more than just physical skills. If he comes back I hope he gets a huge standing ovation in the Dome.

For the life of me, I can't find any sound reason for releasing him the way that they did.

It certainly sounds like it could have been handled better, although it would be nice to have both sides of the story. I get the impression Spielman either didn't sufficiently lay the groundwork for that contingency plan (releasing Winfield) or found himself in an unexpectedly urgent situation during negotiations with the free agents the Vikes wanted to retain and made a hasty decision. However, it's hard to tell how much spin may have been put on the story by Winfield's camp.

Whatever happened, it's a shame and I hope he ends up playing for the Vikings again next season.

[The Breeze]

It certainly sounds like it could have been handled better, although it would be nice to have both sides of the story. I get the impression Spielman either didn't sufficiently lay the groundwork for that contingency plan (releasing Winfield) or found himself in an unexpectedly urgent situation during negotiations with the free agents the Vikes wanted to retain and made a hasty decision. However, it's hard to tell how much spin may have been put on the story by Winfield's camp.

Whatever happened, it's a shame and I hope he ends up playing for the Vikings again next season.

Yeah...it's all weird and reeks of haste. After reading the article DP just posted I'm even more disgruntled at this situation. But it could really just come down to Winfield wanting a legit shot at a ring before it's all said and done. Not sure how soon he would have that here. Could be next year.... could be 3 years. Who knows?

[mondry]

It certainly sounds like it could have been handled better, although it would be nice to have both sides of the story. I get the impression Spielman either didn't sufficiently lay the groundwork for that contingency plan (releasing Winfield) or found himself in an unexpectedly urgent situation during negotiations with the free agents the Vikes wanted to retain and made a hasty decision. However, it's hard to tell how much spin may have been put on the story by Winfield's camp.

Whatever happened, it's a shame and I hope he ends up playing for the Vikings again next season.

Didn't the loadholt signing run a little more than expected and wasn't that around when Winfield seemed to be abruptly cut?

[Mothman]

Didn't the loadholt signing run a little more than expected and wasn't that around when Winfield seemed to be abruptly cut?

Yes and yes. Plus, there was reported interest in Loadholt from other teams and his deal as finalized just before free agency opened so I imagine there was a real sense of urgency there.

Jim

[losperros]

Good read.

Antoine Winfield – PFF’s No. 1 Cornerback?
https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2 ... ornerback/

I'm not surprised. We can add all that up with his high character and the respect Winfield has from his teammates and head coach.

And the Vikings might let this guy get away?

Yeah, yeah, I know. Loadholt. Give me a break...

[jackal]

I'm hoping we can get him back but it looks the redskins might land him ..

[dead_poet]

Antoine Winfield - DB - Free Agent

NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports the Redskins are putting the "full-court press" on free agent CB Antoine Winfield.

Rapoport adds that owner Dan Snyder, coach Mike Shanahan, the defensive staff, and Robert Griffin III were all in attendance at dinner on Wednesday night, and the team showed Winfield a highlight tape of him destroying the Redskins. Winfield left town without a deal, but beat writer John Keim expects the Redskins to talk more with the 36-year-old on Friday over the phone.
Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter

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Antoine Winfield - DB - Free Agent

CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reports the Broncos are among free agent CB Antoine Winfield's options.

The Redskins are viewed as the favorite, but they need to clear some cap space in order to make it work. The Vikings and Broncos are two other options that have now been mentioned. Denver already has a young stud in Chris Harris covering the slot, along with solid depth on the outside. It's hard to see the fit.
Source: Jason La Canfora on Twitter

[Funkytown]

And--I just got a text that the Redskins re-signed TE Fred Davis. So, there is even less money for them!

Winfield just needs to come back home to 'Sota. And--that is that!

[MikethePurple]

Antoine Winfield - DB - Free Agent

NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports the Redskins are putting the "full-court press" on free agent CB Antoine Winfield.

Rapoport adds that owner Dan Snyder, coach Mike Shanahan, the defensive staff, and Robert Griffin III were all in attendance at dinner on Wednesday night, and the team showed Winfield a highlight tape of him destroying the Redskins. Winfield left town without a deal, but beat writer John Keim expects the Redskins to talk more with the 36-year-old on Friday over the phone.
Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter

---
Antoine Winfield - DB - Free Agent

CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reports the Broncos are among free agent CB Antoine Winfield's options.

The Redskins are viewed as the favorite, but they need to clear some cap space in order to make it work. The Vikings and Broncos are two other options that have now been mentioned. Denver already has a young stud in Chris Harris covering the slot, along with solid depth on the outside. It's hard to see the fit.
Source: Jason La Canfora on Twitter

I read that the Skins were wining and dining Winfield. Seems strange to have a high profile courtship this far into free agency with an older player like this. Don't get me wrong, Winfield has been a stud and I hope there is some way the Vikes get him back this upcoming season but usually you hear about these activities with bigger profile free agents more in the peak of their careers. Maybe Washington's corner situation is quite dire (I don't really follow them or know much about their secondary) but here's to hoping their restaurant choices are underwhelming.

[Just Me]

Antoine Winfield - DB - Free Agent

NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports the Redskins are putting the "full-court press" on free agent CB Antoine Winfield.

Rapoport adds that owner Dan Snyder, coach Mike Shanahan, the defensive staff, and Robert Griffin III were all in attendance at dinner on Wednesday night, and the team showed Winfield a highlight tape of him destroying the Redskins. Winfield left town without a deal, but beat writer John Keim expects the Redskins to talk more with the 36-year-old on Friday over the phone.
Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter

---
Antoine Winfield - DB - Free Agent

CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reports the Broncos are among free agent CB Antoine Winfield's options.

The Redskins are viewed as the favorite, but they need to clear some cap space in order to make it work. The Vikings and Broncos are two other options that have now been mentioned. Denver already has a young stud in Chris Harris covering the slot, along with solid depth on the outside. It's hard to see the fit.
Source: Jason La Canfora on Twitter

I know it sounds pessimistic on him going to the Broncos, but think about it: If I'm in the twilight of my career and I'm forced to take a pay cut, I think I'd go with the team that has a better chance to win a SB (Which I think we'd all agree Denver ranks above MN at this point).

[losperros]

I know it sounds pessimistic on him going to the Broncos, but think about it: If I'm in the twilight of my career and I'm forced to take a pay cut, I think I'd go with the team that has a better chance to win a SB (Which I think we'd all agree Denver ranks above MN at this point).

My gut is telling me that you're right. In fact, once Winfield talks to John Elway and maybe even Peyton Manning, I think it will be a done deal.

BTW, I trust my gut. For example, it's telling me that I ate too much garlic for dinner...and it's right.