Byron Murphy Jr., Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings must be cap compliant by the start of the new NFL league year, on March 11 at 3 p.m. CST. That means, between now and then, longtime salary cap guru Rob Brzezinski is tasked with clearing nearly $50 million in cap space.
In order to make that happen, according to reports this week, the Vikings plan to cut overpriced veterans Aaron Jones, Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen. Then Friday, news broke that Minnesota plans to restructure the contracts of Justin Jefferson and Christian Darrisaw, in order to free up even more space.
Byron Murphy Jr restructures MN Vikings contract
And those two young superstars aren’t the only prominent Vikings players who will reportedly have their money moved around over the next handful of days. Per Alec Lewis (The Athletic), Brzezinski has executed a “simple contract restructure” on 28-year-old cornerback Byron Murphy Jr.
The Vikings have done a simple contract restructure on CB Byron Murphy Jr. to create more cap space, according to sources.
— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) March 6, 2026
Last offseason, the Minnesota Vikings paid Byron Murphy Jr. to return on a rather massive three-year, $54 million deal that runs through 2027. The exact stipulations of the restructure aren’t known, but Rob doesn’t need Murphy to sign off on the conversion, since the move will only advance cash into his pocket.
Last year Murphy Jr.’s production sagged. In 17 games he had just two interceptions and only seven passes defensed. His 71 tackles were down from the 81 a year prior as well. Pro Football Focus ranked Murphy Jr. just 73rd out of 114 cornerbacks, and his 46.7 pass rush grade was 85th.
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This will be Murphy’s fourth season in a MN Vikings uniform, meaning he will be very important to what Brian Flores is trying to do next season, especially if Harrison Smith retires.
Murphy Jr. was set to count for $19.57 million against the cap in 2026. According to OverTheCap.com, a simple restructure will cut that number down to 11.3 million, a savings of over $8 million next season.
FWIW: a simple contract restructure for Byron Murphy Jr at OverTheCap brings Byron Murphy Jr's 2026 cap hit down from $19.57M to $11.33M. pic.twitter.com/RoyGYlIf9F
— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) March 6, 2026
Byron Murphy Jr. picks off Goff!
DETvsMIN on @Netflix pic.twitter.com/pJOiC2I8wh
— NFL (@NFL) December 25, 2025
Cornerback still an area of need for MN Vikings
Realistically, the MN Vikings need to add at the cornerback position. Last year they entered the season with only three corners on the 53 man roster.
Isaiah Rodgers was a hit nearly immediately, but Jeff Okudah struggled to stay on the field. And when he did, the former top pick’s production and presence in Flo’s defense was underwhelming.
Now, we’ll find out if the Minnesota Vikings have learned their lesson in the secondary by how they handle the need that still very much exists at CB this offseason.
Mentioned in this article: Byron Murphy Jr. Contract Restructure NFL Offseason
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