The Minnesota Vikings surprised the NFL -- and some people in their own building -- when they decided to release Antoine Winfield. Now they might be trying to get the veteran cornerback back.
Vikings coach Leslie Frazier said Sunday at the NFL Annual Meeting in Phoenix that he's been in contact with Winfield about a possible reunion.
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"I'm hoping that we can figure out a way to get him back here," Frazier said, according to 1500ESPN.com. "So, I'm hoping that it's not goodbye yet."
The Vikings cut Winfield on Tuesday after the cornerback declined a pay cut. Winfield was within his rights, especially coming off a season in which he remained a premier run defender while not surrendering a single touchdown through the air.
The Vikings will have competition if they're serious about making a run to bring Winfield back. The 14-year veteran has "multiple visits" set up with other teams, according to 1500ESPN.com. Given the way the relationship with Minnesota initially ended, it wouldn't be a surprise if Winfield preferred a fresh start elsewhere.
"Him and I talked a few days ago, before I came up here, and I don't want the door to be shut," Frazier said. "So, we're going to still try to get something worked out -- if he's amicable to coming back."
If the Vikings don't bring back Winfield, they are looking at a serious depth problem in their secondary. Just another reason why the initial decision to drop Winfield seemed so odd.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @DanHanzus.