The youngest of the high-end cornerbacks who entered free agency seeking a third contract, Byron Murphy has fared the best of the bunch so far. The Vikings are bringing Murphy back on a monster raise.
It will take a three-year, $66M deal for Minnesota to retain Murphy, NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport report. Murphy had been a Viking for less than $9M per year; he has now scored a $22M AAV after a two-year stay.
After losing Camryn Bynum
to a $15M-per-year Colts deal, the Vikings faced a quandary. Two of their other five secondary regulars — Harrison Smith, Stephon Gilmore — are considering retirement. Losing four of those five, with Josh Metellus being the only returner, would have presented a challenge for a team that relied on players executing Brian Flores’ complex defense. Hours after the Bynum defection, however, the Vikings ensured at least two of their secondary quintet will be back.
PFR’s No. 11-ranked free agent this year, Murphy played a central role in the Vikings’ climb from their woeful Ed Donatell season. Pro Football Focus ranked Murphy as a top-25 corner in 2024, as he improved in yards per target (7.2) and passer rating allowed as the closest defender (76.7) compared to his first Minnesota season. Murphy also was a turnover producer during his first Vikings contract, intercepting nine passes — including six last season — during that term. The six-pick year booked Murphy a Pro Bowl nod. He added 27 passes defensed in that span.
The former four-year Cardinals starter also has extensive slot experience, giving Flores options. Murphy is also only going into his age-27 season. That undoubtedly made the Vikings more comfortable authorizing a $22M-per-year deal. Murphy has not only outdone the other third-contract-seeking CBs on this market; he has secured a top-five payday at the position. Even after Jaycee Horn‘s new contract is factored in, Murphy becomes the NFL’s fourth-highest-paid corner.
As it turns out, Murphy was right to bet on himself via the two-year, $17.5M deal. It provided a prelude to a substantial raise, and he was seeking $20M-plus on this market. The Vikings will count on the 5-foot-11 defender working as their No. 1 corner for at least two more seasons.
