After signing cornerback Cedric Griffin to a five-year contract extension last week, the Vikings made it clear they also want to keep veteran Antoine Winfield as the starter opposite Griffin beyond the 2009 season.
Winfield's contract is due to expire after this coming season, it will be his 11th in the NFL, but the Vikings and Winfield's reps already have begun talks.
"We're having a pretty good dialogue with the agent right now," Vikings coach Brad Childress said during the NFL owners meetings in Dana Point, Calif. "It's ongoing and we'd like to get him done.
"With the uncertain future and the (collective bargaining agreement) the way it is, I'd like to have it done. It could be one year, it could be two, it could be three. But, again, we have a real good dialogue with (agent) Ashanti Webb right now."
This is certainly a contrast to after Childress' first season as coach in 2006. Winfield did not take part in the Vikings offseason program that year and while neither Winfield nor Childress has gone into specifics, the two clearly did not see eye-to-eye on some issues.
The relationship, however, eventually was mended and now there is a chance Winfield could finish his career with the Vikings.
Griffin, a second-round pick out of Texas in 2006, showed improvement in the second half of last season and was rewarded for his play. His contract is worth just over $25 million and includes $10 million in guarantees.
Those numbers are fair but not spectacular for a starting corner. Griffin was nearing the end of his rookie contract and under normal circumstances he would have forfeited a chance to become a free agent by signing.
However, if a new CBA is not reached before next offseason, Griffin would not have been an unrestricted free agent until after six seasons instead of four.
Griffin has started 38 games for the Vikings. He has three interceptions and has forced seven fumbles, and ranked second on the team last year with 100 tackles. He had an interception in the Vikings' playoff loss to Philadelphia.
"It was an easy decision," said Griffin, the Vikings' starting right corner. "It's a great feeling knowing the Vikings are committed to me. I'm definitely happy because of where this team is heading. I love where the defense is. I love where the offense is. I love the coaches. I think the Vikings are putting together a team to make a run at the Super Bowl, and I'm glad to be a part of it. And I'm glad that this also gives my family security."
