Vikings Desperately Want Byron Murphy Jr… But They Aren’t Alone

The Minnesota Vikings have quite a few players set to hit free agency this offseason. The cornerback position is one that we could see get completely turned over, with their top three starters, Byron Murphy Jr, Stephon Gilmore and Shaq Griffen, all set to hit the open market.

General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has ample amounts of cap space to work with, but there are a ton of areas on the roster that he must address. It makes sense for the MN Vikings to prioritize some of their familiar talent, in order to keep some level of continuity in the secondary.

Minnesota Vikings trying hard to re-sign Byron Murphy Jr.

Byron Murphy Jr is coming off a two-year deal he signed with the the MN Vikings in 2023 that paid him $17.5 million. After a successful first stint in Minnesota, Murphy will likely get more than that on an annual basis.

And it’s become very clear that the Vikings want to be the team that pays it. In fact, it’s not a stretch to suggest that Murphy is the Minnesota Vikings’ most prioritized extension candidate. On Thursday, multiple local insiders include Matt Coller (Purple Insider), Andrew Krammer (Star Tribune), Alec Lewis (The Athletic) and Darren “Doogie” Wolfson (KSTP) relayed what they’ve been hearing behind the scenes on Murphy recently.

“Byron Murphy Jr. remains, I will double-slash triple down on what I’ve said going back to Tuesday, he is by far the number one internal priority. They so badly want him back…Byron wants to be in that ballpark, $19-ish to $21-ish million per year.”

Wolfson on the Vikings pursuit of Byron Murphy Jr. (Skor North)

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Byron Murphy Jr is a 27-year-old former second round pick, coming off a season in which he started 17 games for the first time in his career. He also made his first first Pro Bowl appearance, thanks to career highs in tackles (81), TFL (6), interceptions (6) and passes defensed (14).

Options beyond the Vikings

With free agency looming this offseason, Murphy Jr. did everything in his power to make sure the market for his services would be robust, and many have him pegged as the top cornerback on the market this cycle.

That means, while Minnesota would love to have Murphy back, they aren’t the only team in the mix for his services. Most recently, it appears the New York Giants are sniffing around the former 33rd overall pick out of Washington

The #Giants are poking around on the free agent CB market, including on the #Vikings’ Byron Murphy Jr., per source. They need a QB so badly it’s easy to forget their huge CB need. Travis Hunter’s 2-way ability + Murphy could help with an overhaul https://t.co/xrct1egFnw pic.twitter.com/CC5YWRbr1B

— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) February 27, 2025

The reality is that Minnesota could see Murphy Jr. as a stabilizing presence. He is a top-tier option while still having age on his side. Mekhi Blackmon will be back after his season-ending injury, but has started just three NFL games. Dwight McGlothern still has upside, but is completely unproven.

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Minnesota’s defense needs some infused stars at the top, and depth should only be something that operates as a benefit rather than reliance. A new contract for Murphy Jr. is going to be costly, but it makes sense that the Vikings have it near the top of their shopping list.