Get to know the three newest Vikings acquired in free agency

The Vikings agreed to terms with outside linebacker Marcus Davenport, cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. and tight end Josh Oliver, who will be introduced in a news conference Thursday.

March 16, 2023 at 1:14AM
Arizona Cardinals' Byron Murphy Jr. (7) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)
With 56 games under his belt, Byron Murphy Jr. is by far the most experienced cornerback on the Vikings roster. (Darryl Webb, Associated Press/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

MARCUS DAVENPORT

Outside linebacker

Age: 26

Height: 6-6 | Weight: 265

Drafted: First round, 14th overall, in 2018 by the Saints out of Texas-San Antonio

Notes: Davenport appeared in 63 of 82 regular-season games over five seasons for the Saints. When healthy, Davenport has bull-rushed his way through many offensive fronts. He was New Orleans' most effective pass rusher in 2021 with nine sacks, but consistency and health have been fleeting for the talented defender. He's struggled to maintain a full-time role in the NFL, peaking with 50.5% playing time in 2019. He's missed at least two games to injury in every season.

BYRON MURPHY JR.

Cornerback

Age: 25

Height: 5-11 | Weight: 190

Drafted: Second round, 33rd overall, in 2019 by the Cardinals out of Washington

Notes: Murphy scored his second NFL touchdown, a fumble recovery and 59-yard run, to seal a comeback win against the Raiders in Week 2. In Week 8, Murphy injured his back ahead of a game against the Vikings, and two weeks later he was done for the season. Described as a "ball-hawking" cornerback on his NFL.com draft profile, Murphy had 12 deflections and four interceptions in 2021. He deflected at least eight passes in each of his first three seasons. With 56 games under his belt, Murphy is by far the most experienced cornerback on the Vikings roster.

JOSH OLIVER

Tight end

Age: 25

Height: 6-5 | Weight: 249

Drafted: Third round, 69th overall, in 2019 by the Jaguars out of San Jose State

Notes: Oliver, drafted 19 spots after the Vikings selected tight end Irv Smith Jr. (who is now a free agent), made his mark as one of the many road-grading run blockers for the Ravens. He had the eighth-most run-blocking snaps among NFL tight ends in 2022, per Pro Football Focus, and gives the Vikings another early-down option next to tight end T.J. Hockenson. Oliver doesn't have much receiving experience, catching 26 of 46 targets for 230 yards and two touchdowns in three seasons.

FILE - New Orleans Saints' Marcus Davenport stands on the sideline during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Nov. 27, 2022, in Santa Clara, Calif. The Minnesota Vikings have ramped up their pass rush by agreeing to terms with former New Orleans defensive end Davenport. The deal was confirmed by a person with direct knowledge of the deal who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because free agent contracts can't be finalized until the new league year begins on Wednesday, March 15, 2023. (AP Photo/Scot Tucker, File)
Outside linebacker Marcus Davenport (Associated Press/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Cornerback (7) Byron Murphy, Jr. of the Arizona Cardinals stands for the National Anthem before playing against the Los Angeles Rams in an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, in Glendale, AZ. Rams won 20-12. (AP Photo/Jeff Lewis)
Cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. (Associated Press/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Baltimore Ravens tight end Josh Oliver (84) talks with teammates on the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) ORG XMIT: NYOTK
Tight end Josh Oliver (Associated Press/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
about the writer

about the writer

Andrew Krammer

Reporter

Andrew Krammer covers the Vikings for the Star Tribune, entering his sixth NFL season. From the Metrodome to U.S. Bank Stadium, he's reported on everything from Case Keenum's Minneapolis Miracle, the offensive line's kangaroo court to Adrian Peterson's suspension.

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