Longtime Viking Says Goodbye
Two weeks ago, Minnesota Vikings safety Camryn Bynum chose the Indianapolis Colts as his next NFL destination, partnering with quarterback Daniel Jones, who also skipped town for Shane Steichen’s team.
Longtime Viking Says Goodbye
Bynum played in Minnesota since former general manager Rick Spielman scooped him out of the 2021 NFL Draft, and the Vikings evidently couldn’t afford his price tag beyond 2024.
Bynum signed a four-year, $60 million deal with the Colts. He also formally said goodbye this week.
Camryn Bynum’s Goodbye to Minnesota, Teammates
Bynum tipped his cap to the state of Minnesota, foremost: “DEAR MINNESOTA, You have become a place I can call home forever. A place where fans became friends, and friends became family. The four years I spent being a Minnesota Viking was nothing less than a movie.
“I thank Jesus for His grace and mercy over my life to place me exactly where I am and how He perfectly orchestrated my whole journey. From being a 4th round draft pick, to patiently waiting for an opportunity while learning from some of my biggest inspirations, to blossoming into the player that I am today. I can truly say that I loved every moment and person I met along the way.”
He also made sure to acknowledge his brothers in arms: “TO MY TEAMMATES: My brothers for life! You guys were my main motivation to work hard and ball out so we can turn up on Sunday! All of the hard work we put in together over the will never be forgotten! We earned our right to clown!
“The pregame prayer time, dance rehearsals, celebrations, roast battles, hilarious film sessions, and all of the small moments is what I will remember the most. It was an honor being your guys’ teammate and brother for 4 years! Y’all better keep up the enjoyment and fun we had on the field and the celebrations better not stop! Because you already know I’m gonna keep clownin’ too! Thank you guys for everything and I love y’all! Brothers for life!”
Farewell to Fans
The veteran defender also wasn’t shy about paying homage to his fans.
“TO THE FANS AND COMMUNITY: Your support over the years means the world to me. Performing in front of you guys every week was a real movie! You guys were the ones that made it a movie! I fed off your energy every week! It was an honor being able to give back to my community. The whole community gave me a “why” on and off of the field. I love you all and I look forward to seeing everyone in the future and serving with you guys again!”
“After reflecting on my 4 years in Minnesota, my biggest prayer is that I was able to leave a lifelong impact on people. I pray that my joy on and off the field, my work ethic, and the way I loved others was able to point people to Jesus. I can go on forever about how much I love and care for everyone that has been a part of this journey. Minnesota, thank you so much for everything. The movie continues!”
The 2025 Safety Room
Minnesota will flaunt this safety room in 2025, at least per roster construction as of March 26th:
- Harrison Smith
- Josh Metellus
- Theo Jackson
- Jay Ward
- Bubba Bolden
Minnesota could also explore a rookie safety next month, perhaps Malaki Starks (Georgia) or Nick Emmanwori (South Carolina).
Life without Bynum
Sans Bynum on Sundays, a recent staple on the back end of Brian Flores’ defense, Minnesota promoted Theo Jackson this month. The club extended his contract, and he’s in line to take Bynum’s job.
The Vikings also have Harrison Smith on his way back for Year No. 14 and Josh Metellus, along with third-year safety Jay Ward, who could snatch some playing time.
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 overlap with a moderately decent defense.
Bynum accrued 342 total tackles, 8 interceptions, 4 fumble recoveries, 3 forced fumbles, and 1.5 sacks in four seasons with the Vikings — 65 games played, with 54 starts.
He graded a 61.6 from Pro Football Focus last season, good enough to rank as the league’s 62nd-best safety.
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 MIN 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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