Two Bills Drive

‘”We like the group,” Donahoe said of his defensive ends including right side starter Aaron Schobel and McKenzie. “We’ve got to improve … got to get better. (But) we finished ninth in sacks last season, which seems to get lost. Am I saying we wouldn’t look at a pass rusher, ‘No.’ But I think we feel better about that group than some of the (media) people in this room.”‘

‘”I saw the snow and was like, ‘This is home,’ ” Winfield said. “I live in Buffalo.”‘

‘Winfield is considered one of the NFL’s top 10 cornerbacks. He has just six career interceptions but is known for not giving up big plays. “He’s a unique player,” said Cottrell, the Bills’ defensive coordinator when Winfield was the No. 23 overall draft pick out of Ohio State in 1999. “I coached him for two years and loved it. He’s one of the best defensive players in the league.”‘

‘Tice never stopped trying to call Winfield’s agent Thursday. When he got through, he persuaded Winfield to take a late flight to Minnesota. Tice sent a friend’s private jet to Long Island to fetch Winfield, his wife and his two agents out from under the Jets. “I didn’t feel good until he was in a limo and on the way to the airport,” Tice said.’

‘The Browns entertained three free agents in addition to Garcia on Friday: Guard Ron Stone of San Francisco, running back/special teamer Sammy Morris of Buffalo and fullback Jameel Cook of Tampa Bay. If any sign, Stone seems most likely.’

‘When asked what made him decide on the Vikings, Winfield said, “Once we got off the plane, I seen the snow and I was like, ‘This is home.””

‘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.’

‘VU has been told the contract total is $34.8 million over six years with a $10.8 million signing bonus. Under the terms of the deal, Winfield is guaranteed $12.5 million in the first year of the contract with signing bonus and base salary combined.’

‘Winfield, who spent the first five seasons of his career with the Buffalo Bills, reportedly came to terms with New York on Thursday after meeting with team all day. While the Jets said no deal was ever reached, published reports indicated Winfield backed off due to personal reasons.’

‘”We’re excited to add our target free agent,” said Vikings Head Coach Mike Tice. “We’ve quietly taken care of our top two priorities with Antoine and Jimmy Kleinsasser. Everyone in the organization worked extremely hard to get these deals done and I’m proud of everyone for the job they did.”‘

‘Winfield lacks prototype cornerback stature but, at 5-feet-9 and 180 pounds, plays bigger than his size and is known for his aggressive approach to the game. His one shortcoming is a lack of big plays, as evidenced by his interception total, but that didn’t seem to scare off any of his suitors.’

‘They’re called Pro Days, the chance for top college prospects to give NFL teams one final look at what they have to offer at the professional level. But the workout, which usually takes place on the player’s college campus, carries more importance for those athletes who bypassed the opportunity to work out at the Indianapolis combine.’

Winfield, formerly with the Buffalo Bills, will receive a six-year deal from Minnesota that is worth just shy of $35 million. The deal includes a $10.5 million signing bonus.

‘Winfield’s agent, Richard Katz, was believed to be in favor of Winfield signing the deal. But the player wanted to make other visits, in part because the Minnesota Vikings convinced Winfield he was the top cornerback in free agency and needed to explore the market rather than sign with the first team he visited.’

‘Bruener was known as the National Football League’s best blocking tight end for much of his career. After enduring injury-plagued seasons in 2001 and 2002, he found himself as the Steelers’ No. 3 tight end last year. He saw little action behind Jay Riemersma and Jerame Tuman. Bruener missed four games with a knee injury in 2002 and seven with a shoulder injury in 2001.’