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Winfield's agent optimistic that Vikings deal can still work

MINNEAPOLIS -- The agent for Pro Bowl cornerback Antoine Winfield said Monday that contract negotiations with the Minnesota Vikings continue and that while his client might be frustrated by the pace of talks no doors have been closed.

Agent Ashanti Webb also refused to put a deadline on when talks could be cut off if a new deal isn't reached. Winfield is entering the final season of a six-year, $34.8 million deal.

"At this point right now, the Vikings and I have had talks," Webb said. "There have been discussions. It would be disingenuous or inappropriate for me to say there is any kind of hard (deadline). Where are we at? July 6. I'm an optimist. They have not said to me, 'We're not doing something.' I'm not saying, 'We're at such a grave differences that I'm telling them to forget it.' We're talking. Not talking that much but there are discussions. You haven't heard any (verbal) jabs from either one of us. ... I think in the realm of these situations this has been hospitable."

Winfield, who turned 32 on June 24, expressed his displeasure about contract talks breaking down in May by staying away from the team's offseason practices, the majority of which are optional. At that point, Webb said there were no more negotiations scheduled but that has since change.

There are no signs that Winfield plans on staying away from training camp -- a move that would be extremely costly.

"There is way too much time for me or Antoine to even think of anything like that," Webb said. "As of right now, that option has not been discussed at all. The thing that needs to be crystal clear is Antoine is not making any demands or threats or anything like that."

VIKINGS SET CAMP SCHEDULE

The Vikings will hold two evening training-camp practices at Minnesota State, Mankato this summer. The first will run from 7 to 9:15 p.m. on Aug. 1 and the second will be from 7 to 9:10 p.m. Aug. 7. Both sessions will feature special activities for fans. The team will not conduct a joint practice with the Kansas City Chiefs this year.

The Vikings will practice in Mankato for 13 days, beginning with two practices on July 31 and ending with two on Aug. 12. The "Vikings Village" will return this year as will player autograph sessions that will be open for 20 minutes following designated practices.


McClatchy News Service
7/6/2009 7:10:02 PM
Postbulletin.com: Rochester, MN