NFL free agency kicks off in 20 days with the league’s “legal tampering” phase.
Sam Darnold & Byron Murphy Jr. Could Leave … Together to New Team
The Minnesota Vikings have about 25 free agents scheduled to test the open market and a piggybank close to $60 million to spend on their retention and adding external newcomers.
And according to ESPN, the Vikings’ top two free agents, quarterback Sam Darnold and cornerback Byron Murphy Jr., could leave the franchise and team up westerly with the Las Vegas Raiders.
ESPN’s Matt Bowen sized up the best landing spots for the NFL’s Top 50 free agents this week, and for Darnold + Murphy Jr., the Raiders got the call.
“With the transition to coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, the Raiders could finally solve their QB issue in free agency by signing Darnold. Las Vegas was 30th in QBR in 2024 (40.4), and Darnold’s 4,319 passing yards and 35 touchdown throws for the Vikings both ranked fifth in the league. And in Vegas, Kelly could scheme for Darnold’s arm talent, while also using his mobility to attack the edges,” Bowen wrote about Darnold to Las Vegas.
Darnold performed like an MVP for 16 weeks last season, accruing 36 total touchdowns and 4,319 passing yards en route to leading his team toward a 14-3 record. With it all on the line, however, Darnold vaporized in the season’s final two games, reducing his chances of a sequel in Minnesota.
Therefore, most believe the Vikings won’t pay Darnold a gargantuan contract, and he could reasonably end up with a team like Las Vegas.
On Murphy Jr. to Las Vegas, Bowen wrote, “The Raiders need more ball hawks in the secondary, and they could lose safeties Tre’von Moehrig and Marcus Epps and slot corner Nate Hobbs to free agency. Murphy’s six interceptions last season tied for the third most in the NFL, and he has 14 over his six-year career. With the ability to play on the perimeter or in the slot (259 snaps in 2024).”
“Murphy has the backfield vision and short-area speed to close on the ball and make an impact for Las Vegas. He’s a clear upgrade for a defense that finished with only 10 interceptions in 2024.”
This one might even be more devastating, in theory, than Darnold because Minnesota has no bonafide starting-caliber cornerback(s) on the books for 2025. Mekhi Blackmon and Dwight McGlothern represent the closest examples.
If Murphy Jr. leaves for the Raiders or anywhere, the Vikings will need at least two starting CBs from free agency and the draft.
ESPN also predicted safety Camryn Bynum to reunite with the Vikings, and running back Aaron Jones to join the Denver Broncos.
If Darnold walks this offseason, Minnesota would presumably hand the franchise keys to last year’s rookie, J.J. McCarthy.
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.