LIVE REPORT: Byron Murphy Prepares for Major Payday as Free Agency Looms
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – After a stellar two years with the Minnesota Vikings, Byron Murphy is primed for another big contract as he hits free agency once again. Ranked highly on PFR’s 2023 top 50 free agents list, Murphy initially took a more affordable deal to set himself up for a much bigger payday in 2025. Now, having played out his two-year contract with the Vikings, Murphy’s looking to cash in once again.
The former Arizona Cardinals draftee played a key role in Brian Flores’ defense, starting all 31 games he appeared in over the past two seasons and intercepting nine passes—six of them coming in the previous season. At just 27 years old, Murphy is positioned to demand a lucrative deal on a market that lacks many proven corners seeking second contracts.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Murphy is aiming for a significant raise compared to his previous two-year, $17.5MM deal. His impressive performance earned him a Pro Bowl nod for the first time this past season, with Murphy starting as a key defender. Pro Football Focus ranked Murphy as a top-25 corner in 2024, citing improvements in both yards per target (7.2) and passer rating allowed (76.7) compared to his first season with the Vikings.
As free agency heats up, Murphy joins other top corners like D.J. Reed, Carlton Davis, and Charvarius Ward in seeking second contracts. However, Murphy could have an edge over his peers, who will be turning 29 by the start of 2025, while he remains at a prime 27 for the upcoming market.
Last year, Chidobe Awuzie secured a three-year deal worth $36MM, proving that veteran corners can still make a splash on the open market. Murphy, who has missed more than three games in a season just once (2022), is expected to follow in similar footsteps, potentially landing a quality deal.
Meanwhile, Camryn Bynum, a starting safety for the Vikings, is also out of contract. This marks his first chance at free agency, and it’s a crucial offseason for the 26-year-old defender. Although Pro Football Focus rated Bynum lower in his contract year, he’s been durable and consistent, with 51 starts since 2022 and eight interceptions on his rookie deal. Both Murphy and Bynum will play a key role in shaping the Vikings’ secondary for the future.
The Vikings are currently discussing an extension with Bynum, and although a deal didn’t materialize last season, reports suggest both sides remain open to a potential re-up before free agency officially begins on March 10. With $58MM in cap space, the Vikings will need to make crucial decisions soon, especially with Harrison Smith entering his age-36 season and questions remaining on their long-term secondary plans.
As the free agency period rapidly approaches, Murphy and Bynum are set to be pivotal figures in determining the future of the Vikings’ defense. Keep an eye on the March 10 legal tampering period, where these dominoes could start to fall.
