NFL Free Agency 2013: Antoine Winfield Signs with Seahawks

Ever since he was released by the Minnesota Vikings a few weeks ago in the interest of saving money against the salary cap, it seemed like a distinct possibility that veteran cornerback Antoine Winfield could still return to the Twin Cities for the 2013 season. However, in recent days that has become less and less likely, and it is now officially off the table. On Friday, Winfield signed a one-year contract with the Seattle Seahawks. As Field Gulls notes, Winfield will be earning about $3 million this season in Seattle after turning down a similar contract from the Vikings.

Winfield has been a thorn in the Green Bay Packers' sides since the 2004 season, when he came to Minnesota from the Buffalo Bills. Since then, he has recorded two interceptions against the Packers - one in a 2009 regular season win in Green Bay and one in the Vikings' playoff win at Lambeau Field after the 2004 season.

Winfield has extended his career by playing excellent coverage in the slot and being one of the best-tackling corners in the entire NFL. He will likely play a nickel back role in Seattle while Richard Sherman and Brandon Browner hold down the outside positions.

The only scheduled game that Winfield and the Seahawks will play against the Packers in 2013 will be in week three of the preseason, when the Seahawks visit Green Bay on national television.