The Minnesota Vikings could lose $88 million free agent cornerback Byron Murphy this offseason. The NFL Free Agency is around the corner so that means several teams will soon be making moves to improve their rosters. Murphy is one of the most exclusive free agents this year which means he won’t be taking a “hometown” discount to stay with the Minnesota Vikings. This spells bad news for the Vikings since they’ve already offered him a contract last year when he entered the last season of his previous contract.
Originally selected in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the former Washington product became one of the most elite cornerbacks in the league, recording his first Pro Bowl while showing his capabilities on the slot and perimeter. Murphy was the main reason why veteran Stephen Gilmore made it easier for him to excel for the majority of the 2024 campaign. The youngster put up a career-high of 14 pass deflections, and a career-high six interceptions while starting all 17 games.
It’s easy to see why he wants the top contract this offseason since at 27, Murphy has a large window left in his prime and wants to take advantage of this moment. The free agent did a similar situation when he left the Cardinals but he went to Minnesota to establish his stock value with a proven team to skyrocket it. With that, it’s now paying off that he’s in the right moment to possibly become the highest-paid cornerback.
REPORT: Vikings Could Lose $88 Million Free Agent Byron Murphy, Chargers, Ravens Should Be Interested
Cashing out Chargers
It’s time for the Los Angeles Chargers to bank and bring the best of the best. Last offseason, they couldn’t get most of the free agents due to cap casualty but they have no excuse, the team has the power to improve its roster to its peak. Kristian Fulton will likely come back on another contract but nothing explosive like Murphy but the future is bleak for Asante Samuel. The Chargers might be better off emerging Cam Hart and Tarheeb Still but since these are rookies, they still need time to develop.
With that, the team should sign the top-notch cornerback no matter if they bring back Fulton or not. Murphy is getting better each season and he has a special versatility that can bolster the Chargers secondary. He should become the new starter in LA and become a mentor for Hart and Still while he should excel under Jesse Minter’s wing.
Marlon Humphrey’s Replacement?
For the Ravens, they’re in a unique situation where they can’t afford to sign someone like Murphy. However, the free agent could take the same route as he did with the Cardinals and sign for a cheaper deal this offseason if it means a trip to a Super Bowl. Either way, the Ravens might release or trade veteran Marlon Humphrey since he’s a cap casualty.
Meanwhile, free agent Brandon Stephens had one of the poorest performances last year so nobody should expect him to return. He had some bright spots in 2024 when John Harbaugh elevated Ar’Darius Washington but consistency remained an issue for Stephens. The Ravens should consider signing Murphy for a lucrative deal to help him earn a ring in his prime years.
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