Packers Evidently an Ideal Fit for Vikings’ Free Agent
The Minnesota Vikings have 25 impending free agents — about half the roster — scheduled to hit the open market in less than six weeks.
Packers Evidently an Ideal Fit for Vikings’ Free Agent
Of course, the Vikings will retain several of the 25, and most fans hope the franchise re-signs cornerback Byron Murphy. But if they do not, CBS Sports claimed this week that the Green Bay Packers would be an ideal fit for the Pro Bowl cornerback.
CBS Sports Jordan Dajani named one free agent each team should prioritize this offseason, and for the Packers, that was Murphy. Dajani explained, “Switching sides in the NFC North? Byron Murphy is one of the top cornerbacks hitting the open market this offseason, and he was named to his first Pro Bowl after recording 81 combined tackles, 14 passes defensed and a whopping six interceptions.”
Not for nothing, Dajani also opined that Minnesota should add defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa from the Dallas Cowboys. “The Vikings could upgrade on the defensive line, and Brian Flores would certainly enjoy an interior pass-rushing piece such as Odighizuwa. The 26-year-old had a career year in 2024 with 47 combined tackles, 4.5 sacks and 23 QB hits,” he wrote.
On Murphy, the Vikings are on track to re-sign him, so the Packers angle may not even get off the ground. According to Pioneer Press’ Charley Walters, Minnesota will likely re-sign Murphy and safety Camryn Bynum in the next several weeks. Walters revealed both declarations two weeks ago, clarifying two top offseason priorities.
“It’s clear the Vikings will re-sign cornerback Byron Murphy, who has six interceptions this season, and probably safety Cam Bynum, because it’s unlikely Harrison Smith, who turns 36 next month after 13 seasons, will return,” Walters opined.
It’s worth mentioning that if Minnesota does not re-sign Murphy, it will enter free agency and the draft with Mekhi Blackmon and Dwight McGlothern as its top two cornerbacks, which would cause fans some heartburn.
Before the 2024 season kicked off, Murphy told KSTP’s Darren Wolfson, “I don’t think I’m going anywhere. That’s my mindset. I want to stay; I love this place. Since I’ve been here since day one, I have fallen in love. I want to go nowhere. I want to stay here for the rest of my career. I love these guys in the locker room and the coaching—everything about this place is great. I’m going to work my ass off to stay here.”
Couple that sentiment with Walters’ reporting, and Murphy seems like he’ll return for a few more years.
His asking price increased when he made the Pro Bowl this season, but Minnesota should be able to afford him, especially if it doesn’t spend big money on quarterback Sam Darnold’s demands.
Murphy turned 27 earlier this month. He produced a fabulous 72.8 Pro Football Focus grade in 2024, along with 6 interceptions.
If CBS Sports is correct and Murphy joins the cheese team, he’ll be a part of the NFL’s seventh-best defense in 2024 per DVOA. Green Bay has about $40 million to spend on free agency as of late January.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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