Washington Redskins Resume Talks With Antoine Winfield

The Redskins have resumed talks with free agent cornerback Antoine Winfield, Mike Jones of the Washington Post reports. It appeared yesterday when Washington re-signed DeAngelo Hall to a one-year contract that talks with Winfield had stalled, however the Redskins are apparently still interested.

Sep 23, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive back Antoine Winfield (26) against the San Francisco 49ers at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the 49ers 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

It would seem at this point that if the report is accurate, the Redskins view Winfield as a safety at this point in his career (a la Ronde Barber). The former Viking is known for his hard hitting, and could  probably excel patrolling the defensive backfield for Washington. Winfield could also serve as a veteran mentor to younger defensive backs such as DeJon Gomes, Richard Crawford, E.J. Biggers and Jordan Pugh.

The acquisition of Winfield would trim Washington’s dire task “to-do list” to just offensive line and back-up running back. The Redskins could still look to draft Winfield’s eventual replacement later this month, however they won’t need to be looking for an instant starter. Winfield would essentially wrap up the starting defense for next season, unless the front office feels the need to replace Perry Riley at middle linebacker. While upgrades will be available in the draft, as well as free agency, the Redskins could probably get by with Riley starting next to London Fletcher.