One of the Minnesota Vikings top pending free agents, may be difficult to retain. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), he is expected to land a three-year, $52 million contract in free agency. He led all NFL cornerbacks with six interceptions in the 2024 season, elevating his value on the open market. His success was largely attributed to his proficiency in Brian Flores’ defensive system, showcasing his ability to excel both in the slot and on the outside. Keeping him would be costly for the Vikings, especially with reports suggesting a potential bidding war for his services.
Fox Sports insider Jordan Schultz reported on March 7 that while the Vikings “want him back,” he is “poised to hit the open market on Monday [March 12] when the legal tampering period begins.” He is expected to generate significant interest, coming off a Pro Bowl season and recording nine interceptions over the past two years with Minnesota.
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Playing on the final year of a two-year, $17.5 million contract he signed in 2023, Byron Murphy Jr. has significantly boosted his market value since the Arizona Cardinals opted not to retain him after his rookie deal. Pro Football Focus (PFF) projects him to land a $52 million contract in free agency, with an average annual salary ($17.3 million) nearly equaling the total value of his current deal with the Vikings. If Murphy signs elsewhere, Minnesota will face added pressure, especially with fellow starters Stephon Gilmore and Shaq Griffin also set to hit free agency.
