The Minnesota Vikings have decided to part ways with veteran cornerback Antoine Winfield, releasing the defensive back according to Tom Pelissero. Winfield, who turns 36 in June, was due $7.5 million in 2013. The Vikings asked him to take a pay cut, but he refused and was released
Antoine Winfield released by Minnesota Vikings
Veteran cornerback Antoine Winfield has been released by the Minnesota Vikings after refusing to take a pay cut.
USA TODAY Sports
More: Daily Norseman
As the oldest player on the roster, Winfield served as a leader in the locker room and despite various injuries throughout the season managed to play in all 16 games of the 2012 season and record 101 tackles, three interceptions and 12 passes defended. Winfield joined the Vikings in 2004 and made three consecutive Pro Bowls from 2008-2010. Injuries limited him to just five games in 2011, but he returned with a strong performance last season.
Still, at his age, the Vikings wanted to move Winfield to the nickelback in order to reduce his snaps and keep him healthy. Minnesota decided that $7.5 million was more than they wanted to pay a corner for playing limited snaps and when Winfield was unwilling to take a cut, he was released.
The Vikings are now left with Chris Cook and Josh Robinson as their starting cornerbacks.
Winfield enters a free agent market with Brent Grimes and Aqib Talib as the top options at the cornerback position.
More in the NFL:
See More:
