Byron Murphy Jr. Theory Totally Dialed Back
He will not be franchise-tagged. That theory was wrong.
Byron Murphy Jr. Theory Totally Dialed Back
The Minnesota Vikings extended cornerback Byron Murphy Jr.’s void deadline this week, meaning the organization has a couple more weeks to work out a long-term extension until dead money hits the books.
ESPN Dan Graziano tweeted Tuesday, “Per a league source, the Vikings and CB Byron Murphy have agreed to push back the void date on his contract. Originally, the deal voided 23 days prior to the start of the league year (either today or tomorrow). Now, it’s the day before the start of the league year, which means Murphy cannot be franchised (since that date is past the deadline for teams to use the franchise tag).”
Moving the void deadline disables Murphy Jr.’s franchise tag capability.
“Interestingly, they did NOT reach the same agreement with QB Sam Darnold, whose contract still voids 23 days before the start of the league year. If they don’t do a new deal with Darnold before the contract voids, then $5 million in remaining signing bonus proration would accelerate onto their 2025 salary cap as dead money for Sam Darnold. Upshot here: They still CAN franchise Darnold, but can’t franchise Murphy or Aaron Jones (who also pushed his void date back),” Graziano added.
So, the Vikings have two realistic franchise tag candidates: Sam Darnold and safety Camryn Bynum. Murphy Jr. is off the table.
Earlier this week, ESPN’s Kevin Seifert notified the world that cornerback Murphy Jr. — not Darnold — could be Minnesota’s prime target for the franchise tag, as only one is allowed per team each year.
He wrote: “Using the tag on quarterback Sam Darnold would be an expensive way of ensuring his return while avoiding a longer-term commitment that would hinder J.J. McCarthy’s eventual ascension. It could also be a way to elicit additional value by way of a trade, but that would require a knowledge that multiple teams would be willing to bid.”
“In the end, the Vikings seem more likely to let Darnold sign elsewhere and preserve their tag for a player such as cornerback Byron Murphy Jr., who had a career-high six interceptions in 2024 and is hitting his prime at age 27. If nothing else, it would give the Vikings time to sign Murphy to a longer-term deal while keeping him off the market.”
The Vikings also moved running back Aaron Jones’ void deadline last weekend, meaning the team has a bit more time to iron out an extension. Jones, however, will almost certainly not receive the franchise tag.
Murphy Jr. produced a phenomenal season in 2024, earning a first-ever spot in the Pro Bowl, along with 6 interceptions.
Let it be known: Murphy Jr. will not be franchise-tagged. It’s either an extension or free agency for the veteran defender.
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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