On Monday night, the Vikings gave their biggest deal of free agency so far to the cornerback they’d made their highest priority. The team agreed to a new deal with Byron Murphy Jr. that’s reportedly worth $66 million over three years, which would make him one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in the league and follow a trend of megadeals for corners on the first day of the free-agent negotiating period.
The 27-year-old Murphy, who intercepted six passes and made his first Pro Bowl in his contract year, followed Jaycee Horn’s four-year, $100 million deal with the Panthers and surpassed Charvarius Ward’s $60 million deal over three years with the Colts.
The Vikings had pushed back the void date on Murphy’s contract to Tuesday, giving them more time to work on a deal with the cornerback even as he appeared set to land a big deal in free agency. By average annual value, he became the highest-paid corner in Vikings history.
He’ll work with Isaiah Rodgers, who agreed to a two-year deal with the Vikings earlier Monday, as part of a secondary that will take on a different look in 2025.
Safety Camryn Bynum departed for a four-year, $60 million deal with the Colts, with $32 million guaranteed and an $18 million signing bonus.
Bynum was drafted by the Vikings in the fourth round, No. 125 overall, in 2021. Over four seasons, he intercepted eight passes, forced three fumbles and became known for his choreographed celebrations after takeaways.
After safety Theo Jackson agreed to a new deal to stay with the Vikings on Thursday, Bynum’s return seemed unlikely.
Cornerbacks Shaq Griffin and Stephon Gilmore are also free agents, and it’s still unknown whether veteran safety Harrison Smith plans on returning for the 2025 season.
