Winfield Frustrated By Vikings' Mixed Signals

"Pro Bowl cornerback Antoine Winfield, known for his knack of anticipating the moves of opposing receivers, didn't envision his current situation.

"I didn't expect to be in July without a deal," Winfield said. "Personally, I'm a little disappointed. They consider me a core player, but they're not showing me that."

Breaking his months-long silence, Winfield told the Pioneer Press he had been hearing privately the same positive comments team officials had been saying about him publicly. Winfield has avoided commenting on his contract status, but he felt compelled to speak after several statements from team officials. Most recently, at the team's first State of the Vikings meeting with season-ticket holders on June 17, player personnel vice president Rick Spielman said Winfield is "an important part of our defense" and that the club was going to do "everything we can to keep" him.

Winfield said Spielman's comments were "surprising," because team officials have had "very minimal" discussions with his agent Ashanti Webb, who did not respond to several interview requests from the Pioneer Press. Winfield said he still wants to get a deal done but has been disappointed by the slow pace of negotiations.

As a result, Winfield's frustrations seem to be coming to a head.

"If they want me here, they should be able to get a deal done. There shouldn't be a problem," Winfield said hours before boarding a cruise with his family this weekend. "If they don't, then they need to say that and let's work toward a resolution that works out good for everyone."

Asked if that meant requesting a trade, Winfield declined to comment.

The Vikings declined comment through a spokesman Sunday night.

Winfield said his feelings stem from talks with key Viking coaches and executives.

Namely, he had two encouraging conversations over lunch with Vikings coach Brad Childress in April.

"He wanted things to get done," Winfield recalled. "He told me, 'You're one of my guys.' He said he doesn't do numbers, but he was going to fight for me." "

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