One of the Minnesota Vikings' most-prized pending free agents, Byron Murphy Jr. is going to be hard to keep in purple and gold.
Projected by Pro Football Focus (PFF) to secure a three-year, $52 million contract in free agency, Murphy led all NFL cornerbacks with six interceptions during the 2024 season.
His meteoric rise to the top of the free-agent cornerback market came in part with his mastery of Brian Flores' defense. Murphy is one of the most valuable pieces of the starting unit with his versatility to play exceptionally in the slot and outside.
That's going to cost the Vikings to preserve, especially with the latest report that Murphy could be subject to a bidding war in free agency.
Fox Sports insider Jordan Schultz reported on March 7 that, while the Vikings "want him back," Murphy is "poised to hit the open market on Monday [March 12] when the legal tampering period begins.
"He's anticipated to have a strong market. The 27-year-old is coming off a Pro Bowl season and has totaled nine interceptions over the last two years with the #Vikings."
Despite the Vikings' desire to bring Murphy back, they appear unwilling to fold to his contract demands and will let him walk to free agency to explore the market.
Sources: While Minnesota wants him back, free agent CB Byron Murphy is poised to hit the open market on Monday when the legal tampering period begins, and he's anticipated to have a strong market.
The 27-year-old is coming off a Pro Bowl season and has totaled nine interceptions… pic.twitter.com/mPOenOkAaQ
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 7, 2025
On an expiring two-year, $17.5 million contract that he signed in 2023, Murphy has increased his stock significantly since the Arizona Cardinals decided to move on from the 2019 second-round pick after his rookie deal.
PFF's projected $52 million deal's average annual value ($17.3 million) nearly matches the entirety of Murphy's contract with the Vikings.
The Vikings will be under pressure if they lose Murphy to another team. Fellow starters Stephon Gilmore and Shaq Griffin are also pending free agents.
Related: Mike Florio: Vikings Risk Alienating J.J. McCarthy Amid Sam Darnold Standstill
Murphy is one of the highest-priority free agents that the Vikings should consider re-signing. If they lose him, they'll have to sign at least two capable veteran starters with only Mekhi Blackmon and 2024 undrafted rookie Dwight McGlothern expected to play a role in 2025.
The Vikings' draft strategy will also hinge on how their cornerback room looks after free agency.
According to Tyler Forness of A to Z Sports, cornerback is the most-mocked position to the Vikings in the first round with Jahdae Barron, Shavon Revel Jr. and Benjamin Morrison leading in selections through March 3.
Related: Vikings' $12 Million Move Spells Major Change Ahead of Free Agency
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This story was originally published March 7, 2025 at 12:57 PM.