Winfield returned as a starting cornerback in 2002. He started alongside his former Ohio State teammate Nate Clements. In Week 3, Winfield collected a season-high nine combined tackles during a 28–23 loss at the Denver Broncos in Week 3. Winfield missed three games (Weeks 7–9) due to a knee injury. On October 18, 2002, Winfield underwent arthroscopic surgery on his knee. He finished the season with 56 combined tackles (51 solo) and seven pass deflections in 13 games and 13 starts.