NFL Insider Reveals: One Vikings DB Expected to Re-Sign, Another Likely to Leave

By Ezra Greenman |

Updated: Feb 12, 2025

NFL: NFC Wild Card Round-Minnesota Vikings at Los Angeles Rams — Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Now that the Super Bowl is in the books, all eyes are on the offseason. With free agency right around the corner, the Minnesota Vikings have some key players set to hit the market. The front office will have some tough decisions to make as they figure out who to bring back and who to let walk.

Two key pending free agent defensive backs that the Vikings have to make decisions on sooner than later are safety Cam Bynum and cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. Both have had strong seasons, both are in line for raises and both contracts are due to void on Monday.

Minnesota Vikings picking and choosing between defensive backs

The Minnesota Vikings have money to play with but they have a lot of pending free agents, too. Nonetheless, the secondary stands out as one position group that is really in flux, with all six of the most important players (Smith, Bynum, Murphy, Gilmore, Metellus and Griffin) all set to hit free agency or retire.

So, what are general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and defensive coordinator Brian Flores going to do? Well according to a new report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Vikings are currently leaning toward re-signing Cam Bynum, who was drafted in 2021 and coming off his rookie contract. Unfortunately, same cannot be said for how conversations are currently looking between the front office and cornerback Byron Murphy Jr…

Several free agents — Byron Murphy II, Camryn Bynum, Cam Robinson, Aaron Jones — could get cushy deals elsewhere, but GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has shown adaptability in adding new talent. (A prime example is last season’s pass-rush duo of Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel.) In the secondary, the sense here is Murphy walks but Bynum could stay under a new deal.
Jeremy Fowler – ESPN

Fowler brings up a solid point. We know for that that the MN Vikings GM isn’t afraid to let players walk if it means finding better cap-friendly options. Last season was a perfect example of that. He let vets like Kirk Cousins and Danielle Hunter walk.

Then, he replaced them with less proven, but cheaper options, Sam Darnold, Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel, all of whom had standout years. Now, we can expect to see the same at a lot of these other positions (plus QB again).

Why Cam Bynum over Byron Murphy Jr?

Now that some of these aging defensive backs are wanting to get paid, there will be some that the GM sees as worthy and others who are not. Cam Bynum and Byron Murphy Jr are both going to get paid this offseason and it sounds like the Minnesota Vikings aren’t willing to put that many financial eggs into their secondary basket.

I’d imagine Bynum is the favorite because he’ll be cheaper. Murphy is now projected to get $22.1 million per year (4 years) this offseason, according to Spotrac. Bynum won’t be cheap, either. He is projected to make $17.7 million per year (3 years) by the same projections, making it much less risky.

Camryn Bynum was on the field for 1,056 snaps this season for the Minnesota Vikings, finishing with 67 solo tackles and three interceptions. His performance earned him a 61.6 grade from Pro Football Focus. Meanwhile, Byron Murphy Jr. logged 1,109 snaps, recording 72 tackles and six interceptions. He posted a 73.4 PFF grade and capped off his season with a Pro Bowl selection.

If Fowler’s sense’s are accurate, saying goodbye to Murphy won’t be easy. The cornerback, who joined Minnesota in the summer of 2023, put together two solid seasons in purple. But that’s just the reality of the business. Now, it’s a waiting game to see what the MN Vikings decide officially.