Before the 2024 season kicked off, the Minnesota Vikings passed up the opportunity to sign Byron Murphy Jr. to a more affordable deal, and now the cornerback is aiming for a much bigger payday after a standout Pro Bowl performance.
Back in June, KSTP’s Darren Wolfson reported that Murphy had urged his agent to negotiate a deal with the Vikings. Murphy expressed his strong desire to stay in Minnesota long-term, telling his agent, “Engage the Vikings, engage Rob Brzezinski, let’s see if we can work out some sort of extension before the season starts.” However, no agreement was reached, as the team focused on securing long-term contracts for key players like Justin Jefferson and Christian Darrisaw during the offseason.
Now, after an impressive season, Murphy is eyeing a significant raise from the two-year, $17.5 million contract he just completed with Minnesota. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Murphy is seeking a much larger deal, having played his way into a higher salary bracket. Pro Football Focus (PFF) estimates he could land a three-year, $52 million contract after leading all cornerbacks with six interceptions in 2024.
If the Vikings are still interested in re-signing Murphy, they may need to offer him nearly double the annual value of his previous contract, with a potential $17.3 million per year on the table. Murphy is one of three starting cornerbacks in the Vikings’ secondary eligible for free agency this offseason, and the team will need to address these decisions as they look to reshape their defense.
Byron Murphy Jr
While securing Jefferson and Darrisaw was a priority for the Vikings last summer, they had the cap space to make a move for Murphy. The team chose to extend defensive tackle Harrison Phillips instead, leaving Murphy and his camp in limbo. Murphy’s performance during his first year in Minnesota wasn’t as impressive as hoped, but after shifting roles and excelling under Brian Flores’ defense, he’s earned a significant pay increase.
In June, Murphy was candid about his desire to stay with the Vikings, stating, “I want to stay here for the rest of my career. I love this place. I’m gonna try to work my a** off to stay here for sure.” His Pro Bowl season proved his dedication was well-placed, and now he’s hoping to cash in on that success with a lucrative contract.
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