Vikings Sign Pair, Release Veteran Cornerback Winfield

The Minnesota Vikings stirred things up on day one of free agency without signing a single free agent. 

The Minnesota Vikings re-signed receiver Jerome Simpson and gave Phil Loadholt a new contract while releasing veteran cornerback Antoine Winfield on Tuesday. On Monday the Vikings traded receiver Percy Harvin to the Seattle Seahawks for a package of draft picks.

Simpson played in 12 games last season for the Vikings and was largely ineffective after serving a three game suspension to begin the year for violating the league's substance abuse policy. The 27-year-old had 26 catches for 274 yards last season.

Loadholt, the team's starting right tackle for the last three seasons agreed to a multi-year contract just before the free agency period was set to begin. Terms have not been disclosed.

Winfield's release is a surprising one, as the diminutive corner has been the backbone of the Vikings defense since 2004. Winfield made 100 combined tackles (solo + assist) last season.