The Tide Is Turning On the Vikings’ Defensive Back Decision
Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
This might be a bit of a hot take, but I’ve always felt like the Minnesota Vikings are going to extend either safety Cam Bynum or cornerback Byron Murphy Jr., but not both. The Vikings have $55.6 million in effective cap space this offseason, so in theory, they don’t have to choose between the two. Yet, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah doesn’t seem like the type of GM who is going to allocate more than a set amount of dollars to one position group; in this case, the defensive backs.
Earlier this offseason, I believed the Vikings would prioritize extending Murphy over Bynum because, generally speaking, good cornerbacks hold more positional value than good safeties. At the time, my thought process was that if Bynum left in free agency the team could simply give Theo Jackson a more prominent role and convince Harrison Smith to run it back another year. Those moves could help soften the blow of losing Bynum, and it would allow Minnesota to address other needs rather than paying market value for a safety.
But lately, the tide seems to be turning, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Although Fowler’s article is largely speculative in nature, there are bits of genuine reporting scattered throughout. Before we delve into what was said, keep in mind that prominent national reporters like Fowler often serve as mouthpieces for teams and player agents, which is how they’re able to get these scoops. That’s why you have to read between the lines when reports like these come out, and ask yourself: Why was this information leaked in the first place?
Fowler on Bynum: “The Vikings and Bynum have had discussions about an extension. While nothing has materialized, both sides are open to it, and this could get done before mid-March.”
Fowler on Murphy: “Sources say Murphy will be looking for a rather large raise from the two-year, $17.5 million deal he just played out in Minnesota. He has played his way into bigger money.”
[1/2] Today @JFowlerESPN reported that the #Vikings could get an extension done with Cam Bynum before mid-March, while noting that Byron Murphy will be looking for a "rather large raise." Reading between the lines here, but it feels like Kwesi is prioritizing Bynum over Murphy. pic.twitter.com/WgKifi4fJt
— 𝙩𝙮𝙡𝙚𝙧 (@TylerTalksBall) January 29, 2025
Now let’s read between the lines here and try to guess how this got out. Entering Speculation Land, it might have gone a bit like this:
During Senior Bowl Week, national reporters converge with team officials to get some intel a month before free agency. During this, an anonymous source within the Vikings organization informs Fowler that they are trying to extend Bynum before the start of free agency, while also noting that Murphy is looking for a “rather large raise”. This is Minnesota’s way of signaling they are prioritizing Bynum over Murphy, without actually having to speak on the matter in an official capacity.
If that’s true, Minnesota’s urgency in wanting to extend Bynum before the start of free agency makes sense. We have no idea if Smith has played his final snap of football or not. We’re probably not going to get a picture of Prince to signal that Smith’s planning on returning next year for a little bit now.
When I recently texted #Vikings safety Harrison Smith to ask about his contract situation, he simply sent back this photo of Prince. Since Prince is a Minnesota icon, I asked if that means he’s sticking around. But I didn’t hear back. pic.twitter.com/8H76kDuSAa
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) March 14, 2023
The last time we heard from Smith, he was feeling rather sentimental about being a mentor to Josh Metellus and Bynum. Harrison isn’t one to show his emotions very often, but it definitely felt like he was reflecting on what very well could be the last year of his NFL career. There was a degree of finality to this interview, that leads me to believe he’s leaning towards hanging up the cleats for good. Minnesota can’t afford to lose two out of their three starting safeties this offseason, which makes re-signing Bynum a top priority.
If this is indeed Harrison Smith's last game as a Viking – it's been my true honor to cover his entire NFL career. A future Hall of Famer as a player and a person. Here Harry tells me about his love & respect for his teammates and for Brian Flores. #hofhitman pic.twitter.com/xmQfGVQUiW
— Dawn Mitchell (@DawnAtFOX9) January 14, 2025
An underrated player who will also factor into Kwesi’s decision is newly signed slot cornerback Reddy Steward. Remember, Steward was highly sought after, with roughly half the league showing interest in the former Chicago Bears corner. I’m sure a few of those teams were willing to sign Steward with the intention of having him be a starter. So how was Kwesi able to convince Steward that becoming a Viking was in his best interest? Promising Steward the opportunity to start at nickel corner would be a helluva pitch, and that would give them insurance against Murphy leaving in free agency.
But wait again: Why should the Vikings have to choose between the two to begin with? And why shouldn’t they pay for Murphy, who led the team with six interceptions last year?
For one, there are an abundance of starting-caliber slot cornerbacks in the NFL. Anyone who is 5-foot-11 and under is automatically deemed a “nickel corner” unless proven otherwise. Outside cornerbacks may hold more value on the free agent market than a free safety, but the same isn’t necessarily true when you compare slot corners to safeties. The reason why the Vikings would be unwise to extend Murphy is because they’d be paying him outside cornerback money despite him being a nickel corner by trade.
Kwesi is an expert when it comes to capitalizing on market inefficiencies. By signing a starting caliber slot corner in Steward to a futures deal, the Vikings re-gained leverage over Murphy because they now have the opportunity to walk away from negotiations entirely, knowing they have a viable alternative. If Murphy wants to re-sign with the Vikings, it’ll have to be on their terms, and I honestly don’t see that happening.
Between the pessimistic nature of Fowler’s reporting on Murphy’s future in Minnesota, Smith’s (potentially) looming retirement, and the addition of Reddy Steward, it’s becoming clearer that the Vikings have resolved they must choose between the two free agents, and that they’ve made their decision.
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