Byron Murphy Jr. Was Beyond Necessary
Last season, the Minnesota Vikings scrambled at the cornerback position as the regular season approached. They wound up courting veteran defensive back Stephon Gilmore, and his presence made a significant difference.
Byron Murphy Jr. Was Beyond Necessary
This offseason, they were set to lose the entire starting trio that rolled out last year. Gilmore and Shaq Griffin are both free agents and aging. Byron Murphy Jr. was also set to hit the open market, and the Minnesota Vikings wanted him back.
For the past few weeks, there has been chatter regarding the Vikings’ interest in bringing back their top cornerback. Murphy Jr. was playing on a two-year deal worth $17.5 million. He would always get a sizable increase, but just how much the market would prop him up remained to be seen.
Ultimately, he gets $66 million over the next three seasons. That’s a steep price, but the Minnesota Vikings absolutely had to pay. The reality is that the cornerback position has never been more prominent in the game. With how the game is officiated and how the passing game has evolved, failing to have strong defensive backs isn’t an option.
Last season, Murphy Jr. put up his most impressive season as a professional. He picked off six passes in his second year with the Vikings and made his first Pro Bowl. Byron Murphy Jr.’s emergence helped bolster Brian Flores’ defense and put Minnesota in advantageous offensive positions.
The cornerback room is taking shape with Murphy Jr. back in the fold. Isaiah Rodgers was also signed to man the position, and Mekhi Blackmon should return healthy after missing last season due to injury. Dwight McGlothern can also be sprinkled in, and Minnesota can feel a level of comfort about their top four options.
The Vikings may land a corner in the draft or find someone who becomes a cap casualty. Murphy Jr.’s contract doesn’t mean they must be done at the position. They absolutely had to get him back, though, and getting that done is a big boost for the franchise.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes daily for Minnesota Sports Fan. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.
You must be logged in to post a comment.