The Minnesota Vikings are aiming to kick off their 2025 offseason on the right track, and to do so, they need to make some crucial decisions about which of the many pending free agents from their 2024 roster to bring back. While some of these choices will be straightforward, others will require more thought, especially considering the financial implications.
A major area of concern for the Vikings as free agency approaches on March 12 is their secondary. They are set to lose all five of their primary defensive backs from last season. This includes safety Harrison Smith (who may retire), safety Cam Bynum, and cornerbacks Stephon Gilmore, Shaq Griffin, and Byron Murphy Jr. Murphy’s contract was poised to void, complicating any discussions about his return to Minnesota.
To avoid that situation, the Vikings and Murphy agreed to extend his contract’s void date until March 11, just one day before the start of NFL free agency. This move opens up more time for negotiations between the Vikings and their top cornerback. ESPN’s Dan Graziano pointed out that this strategy mirrors the one used with running back Aaron Jones, who is also aiming to stay with the Vikings.
- Byron Murphy Jr
However, this agreement doesn’t guarantee either Murphy or Jones will return to the team, as both sides will still have to reach a deal by the extended deadlines. The Vikings have had mixed results with this tactic in the past, as they were unable to finalize contracts with defensive linemen Dalvin Tomlinson and Marcus Davenport, who eventually left the team.
Additionally, the Vikings haven’t extended the negotiation window for quarterback Sam Darnold, which means they still have the option to franchise tag him before the March 4 deadline. However, that option isn’t available for Murphy or Jones, further complicating the Vikings’ decision-making process as they navigate their offseason roster moves.
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