The Minnesota Vikings face a pivotal decision this offseason: whether to re-sign safety Camryn Bynum or cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. to anchor their secondary. While the team has the cap space to retain both players, other roster needs make it more likely they’ll have to choose between the two standout defenders.
Byron Murphy Jr. is coming off a career year, boasting a career-best 80.0 passer rating allowed, 14 passes defensed, and leading all cornerbacks with six interceptions in 2024. Despite his impressive performance, Murphy appears to be the odd man out. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported on February 12 that the “sense” is “Murphy walks but Bynum could stay under a new deal.” This speculation stems from the likelihood that Murphy, who earned his first Pro Bowl nod in 2024, could attract lucrative offers from other teams that the Vikings may not be willing to match.
The Vikings’ secondary is in a state of transition, with five starters—Shaq Griffin, Stephon Gilmore, Harrison Smith, Murphy, and Bynum—all on expiring contracts. Gilmore and Smith are considering retirement, and their decisions will significantly influence how Minnesota rebuilds its defensive backfield.
Murphy’s projected market value complicates matters further. Spotrac estimates he could command a four-year, $88 million deal, averaging $22 million per year—a massive jump from the two-year, $17.5 million contract he signed with the Vikings in 2023. While Murphy’s versatility as a slot corner adds value, his projected contract would place him among the top five highest-paid cornerbacks in the league, despite finishing as the 20th-ranked cornerback by Pro Football Focus (PFF) in 2024.
Interestingly, five free-agent cornerbacks ranked ahead of Murphy in PFF’s 2025 rankings are projected to sign more affordable deals. This opens the possibility for the Vikings to address their cornerback needs by signing multiple players for the price of retaining Murphy alone.
If Minnesota opts for this approach, it could free up funds to re-sign Bynum, whose market value is projected at a more manageable three-year, $53 million deal. Bynum has been a consistent presence in the Vikings’ secondary, and his retention would provide stability as the team reshapes its defensive backfield. Ultimately, the Vikings’ decision will hinge on balancing cost, roster needs, and the long-term vision for their defense.
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