The Minnesota Vikings are determined not to let one of their most valuable free agents slip away this offseason. With over 20 pending free agents, the Vikings are tied for the most top-100 eligible free agents according to Pro Football Focus (PFF).
Seven of these players rank among the best in the league and are eager to explore the market, but there’s one player Minnesota is particularly focused on keeping. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported on January 29 that the Vikings have been in talks with safety Camryn Bynum about a contract extension. While nothing has been finalized, both sides are open to the idea, and a deal could be reached before mid-March.
Bynum, ranked as the No. 3 free-agent safety and 31st overall, is expected to secure a three-year contract worth $42 million, according to PFF projections. A fourth-round pick in 2021, Bynum has flourished in Brian Flores’ defensive system, showing growth and adaptability since transitioning from college cornerback.
Camryn Bynum
ESPN’s Matt Bowen highlighted his skills as a versatile safety who excels in both coverage and run support. Over the past two seasons, Bynum has racked up 233 tackles, 5 interceptions, and 12 pass breakups, proving he can be an asset in a variety of defensive schemes.
The Vikings’ decision to lock up Bynum is largely dependent on the future of veteran safety Harrison Smith. At 35, Smith is also a free agent and has considered retirement for the second consecutive offseason.
Along with Bynum, Smith is one of five key defensive starters whose future in Minnesota is uncertain. Cornerbacks Byron Murphy Jr., Stephon Gilmore, and Shaq Barrett, as well as backup Fabian Moreau, are also set to become free agents, leaving the Vikings’ secondary in a state of flux as the offseason approaches.
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