Camryn Bynum Finds a New Team
The Minnesota Vikings re-signed safety Theo Jackson on Friday, a tip of the cap that long-time defender Camryn Bynum may not return.
Camryn Bynum Finds a New Team
That theory was correct, as Bynum opted to depart the Vikings and join the Indianapolis Colts on Monday.
NFL Network‘s Tom Peliserro tweeted, “Former Vikings safety Cam Bynum and the #Colts agreed to terms on a four-year, $60 million contract, per sources. Deal negotiated by agent Damarius Bilbo of Klutch Sports.”
It’s a wonderful new deal for Bynum, who ended up spending four seasons in Minnesota. Former Vikings general manager Rick Spielman scooped Bynum out of the 2021 NFL Draft from Round 4, a product of the Stefon Diggs trade to Buffalo in 2020.
The move leaves Minnesota’s safety room with these assets, with plenty of free agency still on the way:
- Josh Metellus
- Jay Ward
- Theo Jackson
The 2025 NFL Draft is about six weeks away, and Minnesota could draft a safety as well, especially if the club trades back from pick No. 24 and accrues more capital. Decent safeties can often be found in later rounds, unlike some premium positions.
In Indianapolis, Bynum will join this safety room:
- Camryn Bynum
- Nick Cross
- Rodney Thomas II
- Trevor Denbow
- Daniel Scott
- Marcel Dabo
The Colts’ defense ranked 14th per EPA/Play in 2024, so Bynum’s arrival will coincide with a fairly decent defense.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote about Bynum’s free agency in January, “The Vikings and Bynum have had discussions about an extension. While nothing has materialized, both sides are open to it, and this could get done before mid-March.”
Money turned out to be the breaking point in relations between Minnesota and Bynum. The Colts evidently offered more.
Bynum turned heads in 2024, making impact plays and firing up sweet celebrations along the way. With Harrison Smith’s retirement imminent, it was safe to assume Minnesota would entertain re-signing Bynum for the long haul. But the Colts won out.
Matt Bowen added about Bynum’s impending free agency, “He’s a glider over the top who can also fill alleys against the run. Bynum saw his value rise in Brian Flores’ defensive system in Minnesota. Over the past two seasons, he has 233 tackles, 5 interceptions and 12 pass breakups. He’s an interchangeable safety who can produce in multiple systems.”
Next at safety for Minnesota? Folks will monitor Harrison Smith intently. He’ll either re-up with the Vikings for one last hurrah or retire. After Minnesota lost in the postseason to the Los Angeles Rams, Smith sounded like a man who knew the end was nigh. However, recent speculation has suggested that Smith will return for a final season. Stay tuned.
Bynum was one of the final holdovers from the Rick Spielman and Mike Zimmer era of football, and that small list shrunk even more on Monday (C.J. Ham, Brian O’Neill, Justin Jefferson, Josh Metellus, Garrett Bradbury).
He’ll turn 27 in July.
The Colts also employ former Vikings wide receiver Laquon Treadwell.
Vikings Free Agent Tracker | 2025
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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