Byron Murphy Jr., one of the Minnesota Vikings’ most valuable upcoming free agents, is likely to be tough to retain. Pro Football Focus (PFF) projects Murphy to land a three-year, $52 million deal in free agency after a standout 2024 season where he led all NFL cornerbacks with six interceptions.
His impressive performance in Brian Flores’ defense and his ability to excel both in the slot and on the outside have made him a key player for the Vikings. However, keeping him on the roster is going to be expensive, especially with reports suggesting that Murphy could face a bidding war when free agency opens.
On March 7, Fox Sports insider Jordan Schultz revealed that although the Vikings are eager to bring Murphy back, he is expected to hit the open market on March 12 when the legal tampering period begins. Murphy, who is coming off a Pro Bowl season, has accumulated nine interceptions over the past two years with Minnesota and is anticipated to attract significant interest.
Despite the Vikings’ efforts to re-sign him, they seem reluctant to meet his contract demands, allowing him to explore other options in free agency. Murphy, who signed a two-year, $17.5 million deal in 2023, has significantly raised his value since the Arizona Cardinals moved on from him after his rookie contract. PFF’s projection of a $52 million deal for Murphy, with an average annual value of $17.3 million, nearly matches the total value of his current contract with the Vikings.
- Byron Murphy Jr.
If the Vikings lose Murphy, they’ll face pressure to find a suitable replacement. With fellow starting cornerbacks Stephon Gilmore and Shaq Griffin also set to become free agents, Murphy is a top priority for Minnesota.
Losing him would mean the Vikings would need to sign at least two veteran starters, with only Mekhi Blackmon and 2024 undrafted rookie Dwight McGlothern expected to play significant roles in 2025. The Vikings’ draft strategy could also be influenced by how their cornerback position shakes out after free agency. According to Tyler Forness of A to Z Sports, cornerback is one of the most commonly mocked positions for the Vikings in the first round, with prospects like Jahdae Barron, Shavon Revel Jr., and Benjamin Morrison leading the way as potential selections.
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