Popular Vikings Free Agent Linked to the Cheese Team
Roughly half of the Minnesota Vikings’ 2024 roster is scheduled to hit free agency in seven weeks.
Popular Vikings Free Agent Linked to the Cheese Team
Of course, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will re-sign many players, and to a degree, the band will be back together in 2025.
But one keynote free agent could be in the mix for the Green Bay Packers, according to The Athletic, if he hits open free agency — cornerback Byron Murphy.
That’s the latest and greatest theory from Matt Schneidman, who wrote this week: “Can the Packers do better than Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine at outside cornerback? Of course. Alexander is better than both when healthy, but keeping the two-time All-Pro probably isn’t a risk worth taking. There are some intriguing options in free agency: the Detroit Lions’ Carlton Davis, the San Francisco 49ers’ Charvarius Ward, the New York Jets’ D.J. Reed and the Minnesota Vikings’ Byron Murphy, among others, if the Packers want to spend and have Valentine be a sturdy No. 3 off the bench.”
Murphy reached his first Pro Bowl this season, substantially fattening his wallet for 2025 and beyond. He’ll be a priority for Minnesota to re-sign, rest assured, but if something went pear-shaped via negotiations, the Packers could evidently explore his free agency.
“If Green Bay is content with Nixon and Valentine on the outside, though, better depth behind them is needed, especially if Eric Stokes, Corey Ballentine and Robert Rochell don’t return in unrestricted free agency. One way to help an underwhelming pass rush is to get better in coverage, which the Packers certainly can do on the outside,” Schneidman added about Packers free agency.
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 a week and a half 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.
Perhaps Murphy won’t even hit the light of day for free agency, rendering the would-be Packers plan useless.
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 ruthless heartburn.
While Green Bay could poke around Murphy’s free agency — it’s a wise idea — the Vikings are significantly more likely to re-up with Murphy than letting him depart in free agency, especially to the foremost rival.
Murphy turned 27 last weekend. He produced a sweet 72.8 Pro Football Focus grade in 2024, along with 6 interceptions.
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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