The youngest of the high-end cornerbacks who entered free company searching for a 3rd contract, Byron Murphy has fared the most effective of the bunch thus far. The Vikings are bringing Murphy again on a monster increase.
It should take a three-year, $66M deal for Minnesota to retain Murphy, NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport report. Murphy had been a Viking for lower than $9M per 12 months; he has now scored a $22M AAV after a two-year keep.
After shedding Camryn Bynum
to a $15M-per-year Colts deal, the Vikings confronted a quandary. Two of their different 5 secondary regulars — Harrison Smith, Stephon Gilmore — are contemplating retirement. Shedding 4 of these 5, with Josh Metellus being the one returner, would have offered a problem for a group that relied on gamers executing Brian Flores’ complicated protection. Hours after the Bynum defection, nevertheless, the Vikings ensured no less than two of their secondary quintet might be again.
PFR’s No. 11-ranked free agent this 12 months, Murphy performed a central position within the Vikings’ climb from their woeful Ed Donatell season. Professional Soccer Focus ranked Murphy as a top-25 nook in 2024, as he improved in yards per goal (7.2) and passer ranking allowed because the closest defender (76.7) in comparison with his first Minnesota season. Murphy additionally was a turnover producer throughout his first Vikings contract, intercepting 9 passes — together with six final season — throughout that time period. The six-pick 12 months booked Murphy a Professional Bowl nod. He added 27 passes defensed in that span.
The previous four-year Cardinals starter additionally has intensive slot expertise, giving Flores choices. Murphy can be solely going into his age-27 season. That undoubtedly made the Vikings extra comfy authorizing a $22M-per-year deal. Murphy has not solely outdone the opposite third-contract-seeking CBs on this market; he has secured a top-five payday on the place. Even after Jaycee Horn‘s new contract is factored in, Murphy turns into the NFL’s fourth-highest-paid nook.
Because it seems, Murphy was proper to wager on himself by way of the two-year, $17.5M deal. It offered a prelude to a considerable increase, and he was searching for $20M-plus on this market. The Vikings will depend on the 5-foot-11 defender working as their No. 1 nook for no less than two extra seasons.
