JUST-IN : Vikings Predicted to Sign Top Experience Los Angeles Chargers Pro Bowler Asante Samuel Jr. as Byron Murphy Jr.’s Successor

Vikings Predicted to Sign Asante Samuel Jr. as Byron Murphy Jr.’s Successor

The Arizona Cardinals took Byron Murphy Jr. in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, and he quickly became an important player in their secondary, excelling as both a nickel and outside corner. Despite his impressive development, Arizona let Murphy walk after a season-ending back injury in his contract year. Seizing the opportunity, Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah signed Murphy to a two-year, $17.5 million deal, and the cornerback delivered a Pro Bowl-caliber performance in 2023. Now, Murphy is poised to hit free agency again, and the Vikings must consider how best to allocate their cap space moving forward.

With around $70 million in cap space to work with, the Vikings have several roster gaps to fill and key players to re-sign. While Minnesota must be cautious with their spending, Adofo-Mensah could look to invest in a premium player or two, particularly if they can capitalize on undervalued talent. One possible target is Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr., who is seen as a natural successor to Murphy. Samuel’s ball skills and ability to cover well make him a prime candidate for Minnesota’s defensive scheme.

Samuel’s strengths align closely with the Vikings’ needs. He excels in zone coverage, particularly when allowed to keep his eyes on the quarterback and break on the ball. Although he is not primarily used in man coverage, he’s proven to be effective in single coverage situations, an area where the Vikings struggled last season. His ability to read route combinations and make the right decisions in zone coverage could be a valuable asset for the Vikings’ defense, and his experience playing on the outside gives him the versatility to potentially slide inside, much like Murphy did for Minnesota.

Nevertheless, Asante Samuel Jr. fits the profile of a player Adofo-Mensah is likely to target. His upside, established skill set, and the presence of a few question marks that could lower his market value all align with the kind of player the Vikings GM has pursued in the past. If Samuel can return to his form from the 2022 and 2023 seasons, he could be a major contributor to a Vikings defense that needs improvement, especially if Byron Murphy Jr. moves on in free agency. This potential acquisition could help the team remain competitive while addressing one of their most pressing needs.