Winfield's going to test the market
 

Star cornerback spurns Buffalo and could field some big offers


By LEO ROTH
Staff writer

JAY CAPERS staff photographer
Antoine Winfield made a career-high 124 tackles last year, including eight for losses. [Day in Photos]


(February 18, 2004) — ORCHARD PARK — The start of NFL free agency is still two weeks away, but the Buffalo Bills will not be able to keep star cornerback Antoine Winfield from entering the marketplace.

Winfield, through his agent, has informed general manager Tom Donahoe that he wants to solicit offers from other teams in what is expected to be a very hot market for cornerbacks. That market could swing in Winfield’s favor if Washington’s Champ Bailey, Baltimore’s Chris McAlister and Oakland’s Charles Woodson are kept in check by their team’s franchise tag.

“We were hopeful we could have some discussions, but they just seem to be pretty firm in the fact they want to get out there and test it,� Donahoe said Tuesday. “There’s not much we can do. When somebody doesn’t want to talk, it’s not a very good conversation.�

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