ESPN predicts $88 million free agent Byron Murphy will likely leave the Minnesota Vikings next month. According to several reports, the Vikings have a tough decision to make whether or not to prioritize Murphy or safety, Camryn Bynum. As of this posting, it seems the team is leaning towards re-signing Bynum even though Murphy had a career year in 2024. After potentially losing cornerback Stephon Gilmore to retirement, the Vikings will be in the market for something cheaper as they have other holes to fill.
It makes sense considering there will be available cornerbacks in next month’s free agency that could be a cost-effective replacement. However, Murphy could intrigue some teams this offseason to offer him deals that Minnesota probably won’t be able to match so it’s easier to let him walk. Originally selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the former Washington product became one of the biggest investments in the secondary unit in place of Cameron Dantzler and Patrick Peterson. He went on to post a career-high of 13 pass deflections and three interceptions in 14 games for 14 starts.
Murphy got better even though the secondary room had a bunch of cornerbacks from Gilmore and was competing against Shaq Griffin. Eventually, Murphy won the job to regain his role and ended the 024 campaign with 62 solo tackles and a career-high six interceptions, recording a Pro Bowl nod. It’s easy to see why he should receive interest this offseason and teams like the Saints, Chargers could pursue him.
ESPN “Senses” $88 Million Free Agent Byron Murphy Will Leave Vikings – Saints, Chargers Next Possible Fits
Creating a Budget
The New Orleans Saints probably won’t meet the asking price for Murphy, but with the mindset of general manager Mickey Loomis, anything is possible to put a deal through. The team has several players that have uncertain futures this offseason due to salary cap concerns and one of them includes Tyrann Mathieu. Perhaps, the Saints could release the veteran and create financial liberty for Murphy. This would allow the team to get a capable cornerback in their secondary unit after losing Marshon Lattimore in a trade to Washington last year.
With cornerback Paulson Adebo likely to test the free agent market, the main priority for the Saints is to get an explosive replacement. Murphy checkmarks everything that new head coach Kellen Moore could be looking for in a defender. While they will rewire the offense, the Saints need to do the same for the defense. As it stands, Kool-Aid McKinstry is the only cornerback that has potential upside on the roster.
Cashing Checks with Chargers
Meanwhile, the good news for the Chargers is that they have the money to afford a Murphy signing. Kristian Fulton did a phenomenal job performing last campaign considering the cheap contract he received. Since Fulton may be looking for a raise next year, it’s a better investment for the Chargers to find a cornerback with fresh legs. The Chargers are at risk of losing Derwin James Jr. in free agency in the long run so perhaps they could offer him a new lucrative deal and snag Murphy in the same offseason.
With that, they wouldn’t have to risk extending Fulton who has a strong history of injuries. He’s better off walking to a new team while the Chargers continue to develop Cam Hart and Tarheeb Still in the backend of the secondary depth chart.
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