ESPN Surprisingly Claims One Vikings Free Agent Could Leave
Poll any Minnesota Vikings fan, and most would cautiously assume that free agent cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. will return to Minnesota before seeing the light of free agency.
ESPN Surprisingly Claims One Vikings Free Agent Could Leave
But ESPN isn’t so sure.
NFL free agency gets cooking in 26 days, and ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler seemed to hint this week that Murphy Jr. could depart the franchise while safety Camryn Bynum stayed.
“Several free agents — Byron Murphy II, Camryn Bynum, Cam Robinson, Aaron Jones — could get cushy deals elsewhere, but GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has shown adaptability in adding new talent. (A prime example is last season’s pass-rush duo of Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel,)” Fowler wrote.
“In the secondary, the sense here is Murphy Jr. walks but Bynum could stay under a new deal.”
Murphy Jr. feels like a no-brainer to re-sign, mainly because he’s busted into stardom this season. The veteran defender has nabbed 6 interceptions during his second season in Minnesota, along with a fantastic 76.7 passer-rating-against. His next contract’s price tag has skyrocketed accordingly.
In an interview with KSTP’s Darren Wolfson last summer, Murphy Jr. explained his intent to remain a Viking for the long haul. “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,” Murphy Jr. said in June.
Back then, it sounded like Murphy Jr. wanted to remain in the Twin Cities. Perhaps the allure of a fat contract elsewhere will change that loyalty.
In January, Pioneer Press’ Charley Walters claimed that Minnesota would likely re-sign Murphy Jr. and Bynum when the offseason arrived. Walters revealed both declarations, clarifying two top offseason priorities.
“It’s clear the Vikings will re-sign cornerback Byron Murphy Jr., 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 also worth noting that Sam Darnold’s next contract could determine whether Minnesota re-ups with Murphy Jr. and Bynum. If Minnesota spends $35-$45 million on Darnold, its piggybank for everyone else will substantially dwindle.
Murphy Jr. earned his first Pro Bowl in 2024. Spotrac estimates his annual value at $22.1 million.
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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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