Top 10 free agent cornerback Byron Murphy will hit the free agency with the expectation of receiving the best contract in his position. According to a report, the Minnesota Vikings want to bring back Murphy but it looks like the team will lose him this offseason. Originally selected in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the former Washington product spent the first few seasons with the Arizona Cardinals before leaving to raise his value stock with the Vikings. The 2024 campaign was his best year and he hit a pivotal time to do so, recording 81 total tackles, six tackles for loss, 14 passes defensed and six interceptions.
The bad news for the Vikings is that they’re pushing back the void date for Murphy’s contract and it will probably be too late before the team decides to extend him. Minnesota had one of the best secondaries last campaign while Murphy teamed up with veterans Stephon Gilmore and Harrison Smith in the aerial attack. Murphy should be beginning negotiations as soon as the tampering period begins on Monday and he will likely agree to terms with a new team. With that, there are other rosters that will outbid the Vikings given Murphy’s versatility and youth.
REPORT: Top 10 Pro Bowler Byron Murphy “Poised” to Hit Free Agency
Next Possible Teams
Los Angeles Chargers
As of this posting, there has been no word that the Los Angeles Chargers will bring back cornerbacks Kristian Fulton or Asante Samuel. The team has money to burn after not having enough of the dough last offseason so it’s easy to see why the Chargers are waiting patiently. This means Murphy could be one of the athletes on their radar this upcoming week and the team could sign him on a massive deal to give them a long-term starter in their secondary unit. Even though the Chargers had one of the best pass secondaries last year, the team still needs the best of the best when going up against other quarterbacks like Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson.
Muprhy has the fixture to be a worthy investment for this Chargers secondary. The team should be in good shape for a championship run, especially after extending Elijah Molden as depth.
Baltimore Ravens
Meanwhile, the Ravens don’t have the salary cap to facilitate a Murphy signing. After resigning Ronnie Stanley, the team is in dire need of a salary cap so they will probably release Marlon Humphrey for relief. Nate Wiggins is a promising cornerback in the league but he needs a standout secondary piece to complement him. Murphy could be the long-term relief for the Ravens secondary after having one of the worst last year.
This means Brandon Stephens should not be expected to come back if the Ravens pinch pennies to bring Murphy to Baltimore.
Carolina Panthers
For the Panthers, there has yet to be word on what will happen with Jaycee Horn. Even if they bring back Horn, they should be in the market for another cornerback. Mike Jackson shows some promise but they need someone to make plays now. Murphy could be an excellent addition to their defense since quarterback Bryce Young can’t carry this team on his back.
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