The Minnesota Vikings may have some regrets with Byron Murphy Jr.
One of three starting cornerbacks poised to reach free agency in March, Murphy pushed his agents to get an extension done before the start of the 2024 season.
A deal was not reached, sending Murphy into a contract year.
He proved his worth, earning the first Pro Bowl mention of his career after leading the NFL with six interceptions at the cornerback position. And now Murphy looking for much more than he was last summer.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported on Jan. 29 that “sources say Murphy is looking for a rather large raise from the two-year, $17.5 million deal he just played out in Minnesota. He has played his way into bigger money.”
Projected to garner a three-year, $52 million deal by Pro Football Focus (PFF), Murphy has the grounds to demand twice as much from Minnesota after the Vikings lagged on getting an extension done in the offseason.
To be fair, Murphy had more to prove.
His 2023 season was far from stellar, allowing a 102.0 passer rating when targets — the second-worst mark of his career.
However, Murphy, best suited in the slot, was relegated to an outside role due to a lack of talent and depth.
In 2024, he excelled no matter where he lined up and showed confidence in his second year under Brian Flores. He allowed a career-best passer rating of 80.0 when targeted.
According to sources close to the situation, Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell were hopeful that an extension would be finalized ahead of the 2025 offseason. However, negotiations took a turn for the worse when Murphy’s camp insisted that the 25-year-old defensive back deserved a contract closer to the top-tier salaries of elite cornerbacks across the NFL.
Considering fellow starting cornerbacks Shaq Griffin and Stephon Gilmore are also eligible free agents, the Vikings would be wise to attempt to retain their top corner in Murphy.
However, that’s going to come at a much h after they dragged their feet on a more friendly deal in the summer months.
What’s Next for the Vikings?
The Vikings now face a difficult decision. With the team needing to address other key positions, including quarterback and offensive line depth, committing to Murphy’s steep price tag could limit their ability to make other roster improvements.
If the two sides fail to reach an agreement, Murphy could test free agency, where teams in dire need of secondary help—such as the Detroit Lions, New England Patriots, or Jacksonville Jaguars—could be willing to meet his financial demands.
A Ticking Clock
With the Vikings preparing for a crucial offseason, Murphy’s contract standoff adds another layer of complexity. Will Minnesota meet his demands, franchise-tag him, or let him walk? The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Murphy remains a cornerstone of the Vikings’ defense or becomes one of the most sought-after free agents on the market.
For now, Vikings fans will have to wait and see how the situation unfolds, but one thing is clear: Byron Murphy Jr. knows his worth, and he’s not backing down.
