Extending Cedric

Cedric Griffin has received a contract extension believed to be for four years.  The cornerback has struggled at times in his Vikings career, especially at the line of scrimmage and in the endzone on fade routes, but he improved enough in 2008 that I have no problem with him being given a longish contract.  Cedric had this to say about the new deal: I’m definitely happy because of where this team is heading. I love where the defense is. I love where the offense is. I love the coaches. I think the Vikings are putting together a team to make a run at the Super Bowl, and I’m glad to be a part of it. Now the Vikings have another cornerback decision to make, involving Antoine Winfield who made his first Pro Bowl in 2008 but is 32 years old.  Winfield, despite a sometimes contentious relationship with Brad Childress, says he wants to finish his career with the Vikings.  He also says he doesn’t plan on skipping any voluntary off-season activities as some kind of pressure tactic to get a new deal (the way Matt Birk did last season - by the way, that didn’t really work for Birk did it?).  I’m thinking a two-year extension is in the offing for Winfield.  He’s a fantastic player but he is getting up there.