Winfield talks limp ahead

With Brett Favre possibly set to announce his decision by the end of the week, the Vikings were working to take care of another important piece of business Wednesday as they negotiated with the agent for Pro Bowl cornerback Antoine Winfield on a contract extension.

Winfield's agent, Ashanti Webb, flew to the Twin Cities on Wednesday evening to meet with Vikings officials and attempt the finalize a deal. The meeting comes one week before players report to training camp in Mankato.

The two sides are believed to be close on a deal but need to work out a few more details before reaching an agreement. Discussions are expected to continue early this morning.

Winfield is set to enter the final season of a six-year, $34.8 million contract that will pay him $6 million this season. He earned the first Pro Bowl trip of his 10-year career last season and is still considered one of the top tackling cornerbacks in the NFL.

Winfield had expressed his desire to finish his career in Minnesota, and talks about an extension began last winter. However, those negotiations broke off in May and Winfield did not attend any of the Vikings' offseason practices. That included the three-day mandatory minicamp. Winfield, however, was excused from that camp because he was attending a funeral.

Webb told the Star Tribune this month that talks with the Vikings were slow but not dead.

Winfield, who turned 32 last month, led the Vikings in pass breakups with 14 last season, was third in tackles with 96 and tied for the team lead with two interceptions. He also scored two touchdowns -- one on a fumble return and another on a blocked field-goal return.

Winfield, who played college football at Ohio State, was the 23rd pick overall in the 1999 draft by the Buffalo Bills. He spent his first five seasons with the Bills before joining the Vikings as a free agent in 2004.

Having Winfield under contract would mean the Vikings would have locked up their two starting cornerbacks to multiyear deals. In March the Vikings signed Cedric Griffin to a five-year contract extension worth more than $25 million, including $10 million in guarantees.

The Vikings also continue to wait for Favre to announce whether he intends to play. Most expect the 39-year-old quarterback to end his latest retirement, and NFL.com reported this week that he is expected to announce his decision by Friday.

The Vikings also still must sign their top three draft picks -- wide receiver Percy Harvin, offensive tackle Phil Loadholt and cornerback Asher Allen.