There’s a Byron Murphy Jr. Verdict
Byron Murphy Jr. served as one of the Minnesota Vikings’ “Big Four” of free agency, along with quarterback Sam Darnold, safety Camryn Bynum, and running back Aaron Jones.
There’s a Byron Murphy Jr. Verdict
And with “legal tampering” underway this week, Murphy Jr. has opted to return with the Vikings, signing a three-year deal.
NFL Network‘s Tom Pelissero tweeted, “The Vikings and Pro Bowl CB Byron Murphy agreed to terms on a monster three-year, $66 million contract — a $22M average per year, sources tell me and Ian Rapoport. Agent Zeke Sandhu of Klutch Sports negotiated the deal, which keeps Murphy in Minnesota after his breakout season.”
It’s a sweet new deal for Murphy Jr, who will embark on Year No. 3 in the Twin Cities. Before that, the Pro Bowl cornerback played out his rookie contract with the Arizona Cardinals.
Minnesota also signed cornerback Isaiah Rodgers of the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday afternoon.
Two members of the Vikings’ Big Four left the organization — Sam Darnold to the Seattle Seahawks and Camryn Bynum to the Indianapolis Colts.
The Murphy Jr. reunion leaves Minnesota’s CB room with these assets, with plenty of free agency still on the way:
- Byron Murphy Jr.
- Isaiah Rodgers
- Mekhi Blackmon
- Dwight McGlothern
- NaJee Thompson
- Reddy Steward
- Kahlef Hailassie
- Nahshon Wright
- Ambry Thomas
The 2025 NFL Draft is about six weeks away, and Minnesota could draft a corner as well, especially if the club trades back from pick No. 24.
The Vikings’ defense ranked second per EPA/Play in 2024, so Murphy Jr.’s return will maintain the status quo.
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.
That was before his seismic 2024 campaign, and Murphy Jr. wasn’t kidding. He’s not leaving.
If Minnesota also wants a corner from the draft, rookies like Jahdae Barron (Texas), Shavon Revel Jr. (East Carolina), and Benjamin Morrison (Notre Dame) could be rookie options.
Murphy Jr. logged six interceptions in 2024, a stat line that raised eyebrows and created a mammoth pay bump.
He turned 27 two months ago.
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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