NFL Insider Reveals Vikings DB Expected to Re-Sign and Another Likely to Leave

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 players set to hit free agency are safety Cam Bynum and cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. Both have had strong seasons, which means they won’t come cheap. With the Vikings likely only able to afford one, the big question is, who do they bring back?

According to a new report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, it sounds like the Vikings might let cornerback Byron Murphy walk in free agency but plan to bring back safety Cam Bynum. Bynum, who was drafted in 2021, would finally be off his rookie contract.

Fowler brings up a solid point, Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah isn’t afraid to let players walk if it means finding better cap-friendly options. Last season was a perfect example of that, as he brought in Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel, both of whom had standout years.

That said, don’t count on the Vikings bringing back both Camryn Bynum and Byron Murphy. It’s more likely they’ll keep just one, and right now, Bynum seems like the favorite, probably because he’ll come at a lower price.

Camryn Bynum was on the field for 1,056 snaps this season, 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 Vikings decide officially.