Could the Vikings target the top safety on the free agent market this year? It would be quite the narrative if they were able to sign Antoine Winfield Jr., the Buccaneers’ first-team All-Pro safety who shined at Minnesota and whose father played nine seasons for the Vikings. It would also be a significant shift for Brian Flores’ defense. Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report recently listed the Vikings as the best fit for Winfield in a post on the top 25-and-under free agents this summer. The Minnesota Vikings are one team that should be of particular interest. From a football viewpoint, Winfield fits right in with their defensive strategy. Brian Flores, like Todd Bowles in Tampa Bay, has brought a blitz-happy strategy to Minnesota, relying on several looks and blitz packages to cause havoc. Winfield’s versatility on the field would provide Flores with a weapon for his plan. Then there’s the apparent off-field connections, which might make Minnesota appealing. Winfield was a Minnesota Golden Gopher in college, and his father, Antoine Winfield Sr., played for the Vikings for nine seasons. There’s little doubt that Winfield would be a significant boost to the Vikings. He’s one of the best and most versatile defensive players in the NFL, ranking sixth in defensive player of the year voting this season after racking up impressive stats. Winfield, who can line up anywhere and perform at a high level, concluded 2023 with 122 tackles, 12 passes defended, six sacks, six forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and three interceptions. However, even if the Vikings were a nice theoretical fit for Winfield — presuming Harrison Smith retires or becomes a cap casualty this offseason — it appears exceedingly unlikely that this will happen. The Bucs are unlikely to let the 2020 second-round selection hit the market; if they cannot reach an agreement on a long-term extension, they may utilize the franchise tag to keep him in Tampa in 2024. If Winfield does enter the market, the Vikings, along with all 30 other teams, should be quite interested in his talents. On a new contract, he might expect to earn between $18 and $20 million each year. However, a franchise tag seems to be the most likely consequence.
