Vikings sign Antoine Winfield

MINNEAPOLIS, March 5 (UPI) -- Antoine Winfield, the premier cornerback in free agency, signed a six-year, $34.8 million contract with Minnesota on Friday.

Winfield reportedly had agreed to a deal with the New York Jets, but back away from it to sign on with the Vikings.

Winfield is a major upgrade at corner for the Vikings, who ranked 26th against the pass last season. The club played Ken Irvin and Brian Williams at the position in 2003.

A 1999 first-round pick, Winfield spent his first five seasons with the Buffalo Bills. Despite being just 5-9, he is an aggressive cover corner.

In 72 NFL games, Winfield has six interceptions. He recorded one interception and 109 tackles while playing all 16 games last season.