$52 Million Pro Bowler Puts Pressures on Vikings

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 will be 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. Related: Vikings Cornerback Weighing Retirement 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.