The Minnesota Vikings are facing a busy offseason with a long list of pending free agents. Among the biggest question marks is the cornerback position — where all three starters from last season, Byron Murphy Jr., Stephon Gilmore, and Shaq Griffin, are set to hit free agency.
General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah does have solid cap space at his disposal, but with multiple roster holes to address, he’ll need to prioritize. One logical move? Retaining some key pieces in the secondary to maintain continuity, starting with Murphy.
The Vikings are making a strong push to keep Byron Murphy Jr.
Murphy, who joined Minnesota in 2023 on a two-year, $17.5 million deal, had an outstanding season — enough to expect a significant pay raise this time around. And if behind-the-scenes reports are any indication, the Vikings want to be the team that gives it to him.
Local insiders like Matt Coller, Andrew Krammer, Alec Lewis, and Darren “Doogie” Wolfson have all reported that Murphy is high atop Minnesota’s priority list. The 27-year-old former second-rounder is coming off his best season yet — starting all 17 games, earning his first Pro Bowl nod, and posting career highs in tackles (81), tackles for loss (6), interceptions (6), and passes defensed (14).
But Minnesota isn’t alone.
Murphy’s breakout season has made him one of the most sought-after corners on the open market, and interest is building quickly. Most recently, the New York Giants have been connected to him as they look to overhaul their secondary.
According to sources, the Giants are actively exploring the cornerback market and have specifically shown interest in Murphy. With glaring holes on defense and the possibility of adding a player like Travis Hunter in the draft, New York sees Murphy as a cornerstone piece.
For the Vikings, bringing Murphy back would provide much-needed stability. He’s still in his prime, and with uncertainty around younger players like Mekhi Blackmon and Dwight McGlothern, the secondary could use a proven, high-level talent. A new deal won’t come cheap — but with the Vikings needing leadership and talent at the top of their defense, locking in Murphy makes a lot of sense.
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