Vikings Work Out Several Restructures
Until recently, the Vikings were on track to be well over the 2026 salary cap. That has produced a number of cost-shedding moves over the course of this week, including several restructures. 
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T.J. Hockenson has agreed to a contract adjustment, Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network report. This move will free up roughly $5MM in cap space. Prior to the restructure, Hockenson was due to carry a cap charge of $21.3MM in 2026, the highest in the league among tight ends.
The two-time Pro Bowler has struggled to regain his previous form since suffering a major knee injury in 2023. As a result, Hockenson’s cap figure would have been a sore spot had it remained intact. Instead, he will look to rebound in 2026. Hockenson was originally under contract through 2027, but Pelissero notes the final year of his deal has been removed through this arrangement. He is now on course for free agency next spring.
Minnesota has also worked out simple restructures in the case of wideout Justin Jefferson and left tackle Christian Darrisaw, per Pelissero. That process consists of converting base salaries into signing bonus to create immediate cap space. Over $27MM in breathing space for 2026 has been generated by those moves. Given their ages and importance to Minnesota’s offense, Jefferson and Darrisaw loomed as obvious candidates for restructures. Their respective deals run through 2028 and ’29, leaving plenty of time for future adjustments if needed.
Cornerback Byron Murphy‘s deal has been restructured as well, as detailed by Ben Goessling of the Minnesota Star Tribune. Roughly $11MM in savings have been generated in his case as a result. Murphy remained in place with the Vikings on a three-year, $54MM pact last offseason. His cap charge is now on track to spike in 2027, but there is no danger of a release taking place before then.
A number of veterans will not be in place for the Vikings once the 2026 season begins. Defensive linemen Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen as well as running back Aaron Jones will soon become free agents upon being released, while center Ryan Kelly has retired. The restructures finalized in recent days are enough for Minnesota to attain cap compliance in time for the start of the new league year, per Over the Cap.
Contract Details: Horn, Pats, Pack, Vikings
It’s that time of year. It is time to begin sorting through the contracts agreed to early in free agency. We will start with some of the biggest deals to emerge this week.
- Jaycee Horn, CB (Panthers). Four years, $100MM. Horn’s Carolina extension covers $72MM in total guarantees (second among CBs) and $46.7MM at signing (first). Horn’s 2025 and ’26 base salaries are fully guaranteed; his $15.74MM 2027 base salary will shift from an injury guarantee to a full guarantee on Day 3 of the 2026 league year, KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson tweets. Additionally, $7.1MM of Horn’s $21.7MM 2028 base is already guaranteed for injury, per Wilson. That amount will shift to a full guarantee on Day 3 of the 2028 league year.
- Milton Williams, DT (Patriots): Four years, $104MM. Williams will see $63MM in total guarantees and $51MM at signing, per OverTheCap. Williams’ 2027 base salary ($27MM) is guaranteed for injury; it will shift to a full guarantee if he remains on New England’s roster on Day 3 of the 2027 league year, Wilson tweets.
- Aaron Banks, G (Packers). Four years, $77MM. Only a $27MM signing bonus is guaranteed, via OverTheCap, as the Packers do not usually include guaranteed salary beyond Year 1. Banks is due a $9.5MM roster bonus on Day 3 of the 2026 league year, Wilson notes. The same structure is in place for 2027, with another $9.5MM bonus due. These represent future guarantee dates on this year-$20MM-AAV accord, though the Pack — as they do with Josh Jacobs — will have a natural out after Year 2 of the deal.
- Byron Murphy, CB (Vikings): Three years, $54MM. This is significantly lower than initially reported (via NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo), as Murphy can only reach the $22MM-AAV number through incentives. Murphy’s first two base salaries are fully guaranteed, per Wilson. Rather than being the NFL’s fourth-highest-paid CB, Murphy is tied for 13th after the true AAV emerged.
- Charvarius Ward, CB (Colts): Three years, $54MM. This one had the correct value from the start, as Murphy’s subsequent Vikings deal matched these terms. Ward will see $27MM at signing. To reach the $34.98MM total guarantee, he must remain on Indianapolis’ roster past Day 5 of the 2026 league year. As $5MM of Ward’s $12.98MM 2026 base salary is guaranteed at signing, the rest locks in on that March 2026 date, Wilson tweets.
- Jonathan Allen, DL (Vikings): Three years, $51MM. This also checks in lower (via Garafolo) than initially reported, which is not uncommon. Half of Allen’s $16MM 2026 base salary is guaranteed at signing, with the other half (via Wilson) locking in if the D-lineman is on Minnesota’s roster come Day 3 of the 2026 league year.
- Jamien Sherwood, LB (Jets). Three years, $45MM. The Jets are guaranteeing $30MM, as ESPN.com’s Rich Cimini notes this is the second-biggest LB guarantee the team has authorized (after C.J. Mosley‘s then-record FA deal in 2019). The Jets included a $7.5MM option bonus due at any point before Week 1 of the 2026 season, Wilson notes. This, along with three void years, will reduce Sherwood’s cap hits; he will not carry a figure north of $11.5MM until 2027.
- Drew Dalman, C (Bears): Three years, $42MM. $26.5MM of Dalman’s $28MM guarantee comes at signing, giving the ex-Falcons center the second-biggest center guarantee (passing Lloyd Cushenberry‘s 2024 Titans FA deal). $9.5MM of Dalman’s $11MM 2026 base salary is fully guaranteed at signing, per Wilson. The other $1.5MM vests if/once he is on Chicago’s roster on Day 3 of the ’26 league year. Dalman’s 2027 salary is nonguaranteed.
Vikings To Bring Back CB Byron Murphy
The youngest of the high-end cornerbacks who entered free agency seeking a third contract, Byron Murphy has fared the best of the bunch so far. The Vikings are bringing Murphy back on a monster raise.
It will take a three-year, $66MM deal for Minnesota to retain Murphy, NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport report. Murphy had been a Viking for less than $9MM per year; he has now scored a $22MM AAV after a two-year stay.
After losing Camryn Bynum to a $15MM-per-year Colts deal, the Vikings faced a quandary. Two of their other five secondary regulars — Harrison Smith, Stephon Gilmore — are considering retirement. Losing four of those five, with Josh Metellus being the only returner, would have presented a challenge for a team that relied on players executing Brian Flores’ complex defense. Hours after the Bynum defection, however, the Vikings ensured at least two of their secondary quintet will be back.
PFR’s No. 11-ranked free agent this year, Murphy played a central role in the Vikings’ climb from their woeful Ed Donatell season. Pro Football Focus ranked Murphy as a top-25 corner in 2024, as he improved in yards per target (7.2) and passer rating allowed as the closest defender (76.7) compared to his first Minnesota season. Murphy also was a turnover producer during his first Vikings contract, intercepting nine passes — including six last season — during that term. The six-pick year booked Murphy a Pro Bowl nod. He added 27 passes defensed in that span.
The former four-year Cardinals starter also has extensive slot experience, giving Flores options. Murphy is also only going into his age-27 season. That undoubtedly made the Vikings more comfortable authorizing a $22MM-per-year deal. Murphy has not only outdone the other third-contract-seeking CBs on this market; he has secured a top-five payday at the position. Even after Jaycee Horn‘s new contract is factored in, Murphy becomes the NFL’s fourth-highest-paid corner.
As it turns out, Murphy was right to bet on himself via the two-year, $17.5MM deal. It provided a prelude to a substantial raise, and he was seeking $20MM-plus on this market. The Vikings will count on the 5-foot-11 defender working as their No. 1 corner for at least two more seasons.
Free Agency Rumors: Raiders, Murphy, Holland, Jets, Dalman, Bears, Falcons, OL
Byron Murphy was on the 2023 market, but the four-year Cardinals starter settled for a midlevel two-year deal. After a productive Vikings run, the former No. 33 overall pick has set himself up for a second payday. On a market featuring a host of third-contract-seeking corners, Murphy may be in the best shape due to going into an age-27 season. A suitor has emerged for the six-year vet in the Raiders, with The Athletic’s Tashan Reed labeling him a top priority for the Silver and Black. Murphy has set a high asking price, potentially up to $20MM per year, though the Vikings are exploring a second contract.
Elsewhere in the Raiders’ secondary, the team still wants to keep Tre’von Moehrig. With Moehrig expected to do well on the market, the Raiders may need a backup plan. Identifying Moehrig as the most difficult of Las Vegas’ in-house free agents to retain, Reed mentions Murphy teammate Camryn Bynum as a player to watch for a potential addition. Evidently viewing the Vikings’ secondary as a well-run unit, the Raiders have both starting safeties (Moehrig, Marcus Epps) hitting the market. Moehrig landed 24th on our top 50 free agents list, Bynum 36th. Bynum joins Murphy in going into an age-27 season and as a player who played a key role in helping Minnesota form a top-five defense.
Here is the latest from the free agent market:
- Jevon Holland has been tied to the Panthers and Titans, with the Dolphins not giving up hope — reminding of their Christian Wilkins and Robert Hunt final hours — of retaining him. The Jets should be a team to monitor for Holland as well, SNY’s Connor Hughes tweets. No. 6 on our FA list, Holland has been linked to potentially commanding as much as $20MM per year. The Jets have Chuck Clark, Jalen Mills and Ashtyn Davis due for free agency. Holland would be a much pricier replacement, but the Jets have a veteran secondary coach (Aaron Glenn) as HC now. Glenn just had considerable success developing Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch.
- The Jets are not expected to retain Tyler Conklin, Hughes adds. Conklin played three seasons with the Jets, outdoing C.J. Uzomah after both were signed in the same offseason. Conklin, 29, could do reasonably well on the market. This is a thin TE market, with Juwan Johnson and now Evan Engram profiling as the top options. Mike Gesicki scored a three-year, $25.5MM Bengals deal. Conklin has been more consistent. He was oddly more productive with Zach Wilson, posting a career-high 621 yards in 2023; he tallied 449 and a career-high four TDs last year.
- Extending Jake Matthews stands to create some cap space for the Falcons, but Drew Dalman will draw a strong market, Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz notes. A three-year Falcons center starter, Dalman looks to be the top snapper available ahead of his age-27 season. The Bears are being mentioned as a team to monitor for Dalman, Schultz adds. Chicago has been busy revamping its interior O-line in Ben Johnson‘s first weeks on the job, trading for Joe Thuney and ex-Lions starter Jonah Jackson. Dalman would fetch an upper-crust center deal, but the Bears do have two rookie tackle salaries (for now) and Caleb Williams‘ rookie-scale deal around which to build.
- Dan Moore Jr. has been set to leave Pittsburgh for a while, as the Steelers used back-to-back first-round picks on tackles. The four-year Pittsburgh LT is expected to command at least $15MM on the open market, with Schultz adding a high-teens AAV may be required. Ronnie Stanley landed a $20MM-per-year deal from the Ravens. The more accomplished tackle is four years older and more injury-prone than Moore. In what would be a more surprising free agency market, Schultz adds the 49ers’ Jaylon Moore may score a deal on the same level as the more experienced Moore. Jaylon Moore, a 2021 fifth-rounder, filled in for Trent Williams last season and has 15 starts on his resume. With Stanley and Alaric Jackson off the board, the Moores and Cam Robinson stand to do well.
Vikings Want To Re-Sign Byron Murphy; CB Seeking $20MM+ Per Year
After the best season of his career, Byron Murphy is looking to cash in. The 27-year-old cornerback is seeking upwards of $20MM per year on his next contract, per Sportskeeda’s Tony Pauline.
Such a deal would make Murphy one of the six highest-paid cornerbacks in the NFL, though Derek Stingley and Sauce Gardner are expected to reset the market on their extensions.
The 2019 second-rounder only earned a two-year, $17.5MM contract from the Vikings in 2023 after a season-ending back injury in his final year with the Cardinals. He put together a solid debut in Minnesota before an excellent 2024 that ended with his first Pro Bowl selection. He recorded team- and career-highs with six interceptions and 14 passes defended, positioning himself as the best young cornerback to hit free agency.
However, that still may not get him the contract he desires. Murphy is expected to receive offers with an APY between $15MM and $18MM, according to Pauline, well below his preferred number. Two factors will hurt Murphy’s valuation: he has just one year of elite play on his resume, and several other starting cornerbacks will be available in free agency. If Murphy holds firm at a $20MM APY, teams may explore other options instead of breaking the bank for him.
The Vikings are still “hoping” to re-sign Murphy, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. They pushed back the void date of his contract a few weeks ago, giving the two sides more time to negotiate before free agency begins next week. Murphy turned down an extension offer last year, and his value has skyrocketed since then.
Minnesota’s decision not to tag Sam Darnold could potentially add a twist to their negotiations with Murphy. The $20.2MM cornerback franchise tag would set a high threshold for a long-term deal, but the $17.6MM transition tag could be in play. Murphy would have the opportunity to explore the market and push for his desired $20MM APY. If he doesn’t attract the offers he’s looking for, he could resume long-term negotiations with the Vikings with the transition tag as a starting point.
Byron Murphy, Vikings Push Back Contract Void Date
The Vikings have agreed with cornerback Byron Murphy to push back the void date on his contract, per ESPN’s Dan Graziano.
Murphy’s deal was set to void this week, which would accelerate the remaining prorations of his signing bonus into $4.2MM of dead money in 2025. The Vikings now have until March 11 until the contract voids, giving them more time to negotiate an extension with Murphy. The agreement is similar to one reached with veteran running back Aaron Jones last week.
As part of the deal, the Vikings cannot place the franchise or transition tag on Murphy. However, the move signals that the team is interested in extending Murphy for 2025 and beyond after he started all 17 games in 2024 with a team-high six interceptions. He is reportedly looking for a significant raise from the two-year, $17.5MM deal he signed with the team in 2023.
The Vikings did not reach a similar agreement with quarterback Sam Darnold, whose contract will also void this week, according to Graziano. That will cause his $5MM in remaining signing bonus prorations to hit the Vikings’ 2025 cap as dead money. However, the team retains the option to use the franchise or transition tag on Darnold, a crucial factor in their ongoing negotiations.
This continues what has already been a busy and important offseason for Minnesota. In addition to Murphy, Jones, and Darnold, the Vikings see key veteran contributors like offensive tackle Cam Robinson and cornerbacks Stephon Gilmore and Shaquill Griffin face expiring contracts this offseason, as well. The front office will have several decisions to make as they plan to once again push for the NFC North title in 2025.
Ely Allen contributed to this post.
Byron Murphy Aiming For Significant Raise; Vikings-Camryn Bynum Deal In Play
FEBRUARY 13: In another indication of Murphy’s desire for a notable payday, Ben Goessling of the Minnesota Star Tribune notes he turned down an extension offer from the Vikings prior to the start of the 2024 campaign. Murphy’s value has certainly risen since he made that decision, and Minnesota would have a large vacancy to fill at the cornerback spot if Murphy were to depart on the open market.
FEBRUARY 3: Ranked highly on PFR’s top 50 free agents list in 2023, Byron Murphy took a middle-class deal to position himself for a better 2025 payday. After playing out his two-year Vikings contract, the former second-round pick will look to cash in again.
The Cardinals draftee played an integral role on Brian Flores’ defenses over the past two seasons, Murphy started all 31 Minnesota games he played and intercepted nine passes in that span. Six of those came last season, helping the versatile defender set himself up for another payday. At 27, Murphy should be able to command one on a market light on proven corners seeking second contracts.
Indeed, ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler offers that Murphy is looking for a significant raise on this year’s market. Murphy played out a two-year, $17.5MM deal last season. The 5-foot-11 defender earned his first Pro Bowl nod this past season; that came with a starter designation. Pro Football Focus ranked Murphy as a top-25 corner in 2024, as he improved on yards per target (7.2) and passer rating allowed as the closest defender (76.7) compared to his first Minnesota season.
The top free agent corners this year join Murphy in going through free agency for a second time. D.J. Reed, Carlton Davis and Charvarius Ward are in that camp. That trio, however, played out three-year deals. Murphy having inked a two-year pact with the Vikes may well give him a advantage this time around, as he will have an age-27 season to market. Davis, Reed and Ward will all turn 29 in 2025.
Chidobe Awuzie did quite well as third-contract-seeking corner last year, securing a three-year Titans deal worth $36MM ($19MM guaranteed at signing). Awuzie going down early in the year may not help the 2025 batch of veteran CBs, but Murphy has missed more than three games in a season just once (2022). And he still commanded a quality FA deal on the heels of it. With 22 corners tied to eight-figure AAVs, Murphy can expect to join that list.
Elsewhere in the Vikings’ secondary, Camryn Bynum — a starting safety and key cog in the defense’s myriad post-turnover dance choreography efforts — is out of contract as well. This will be Bynum’s first shot at free agency, even though he is only a few months younger than Murphy. As such, this will be a pivotal offseason for the 26-year-old defender. PFF viewed Bynum as taking a step back in his contract year, ranking him outside the top 60 after a 21st-place assessment in 2023. Though, Bynum has been durable (51 starts since 2022) and has intercepted eight passes on his rookie deal. Bynum also forced three fumbles in 2023.
The Vikings discussed an extension with Bynum before last season, and while nothing came to pass, Fowler indicates both sides remain open to it — to the point a re-up before free agency could be in play. Free agents-to-be can discuss terms with other teams beginning with the legal tampering period March 10, with deals becoming official when the 2025 league year begins March 12.
Murphy and Bynum represent two important dominoes for the Vikings, who have missed on some draft investments (Lewis Cine, Andrew Booth) in recent years. The Vikings have Josh Metellus signed for one more season, at a team-friendly rate (two years, $8MM), but used veteran stopgap Stephon Gilmore as Murphy’s tandem partner outside. With Harrison Smith going into an age-36 season, the Vikings have major questions to answer soon.
The Murphy and Bynum free agencies will be critical to determining the team’s 2025 DB outlook. Minnesota is projected to hold more than $58MM in cap space. It would seem likely the Vikes will attempt to get by without a $40MM-plus Sam Darnold franchise tag going on the books, though no call has been made there. Such a decision would impact how the team proceeds in the secondary.
Vikings Targeting DL, CB This Summer
In a recent mailbag Q&A, Alec Lewis of The Athletic noted two positions that are likely to be subject to additions this summer and in free agency next year for the Vikings: defensive tackle and cornerback. While there were some attempts to address each position already this offseason, there is likely much more work to be done in Minnesota. 
On the defensive line, Minnesota is running it back with Harrison Phillips and Jonathan Bullard as two of their starters in a three-man front. Unfortunately, neither really stood out as strong players at their position with Lewis noting specifically that Phillips and Bullard ranked as two of the worst interior pass rushers in the NFL last year. Last year’s fifth-round rookie Jaquelin Roy could potentially take the next step after playing in an extremely minor role last season.
The team did make two free agent additions, signing Jerry Tillery and Jonah Williams back in March. Tillery had a bit of a resurgent season last year in Las Vegas after falling out of favor with the Chargers. Williams saw his first full-time starting role for the Rams last year, starting all but one game in 2023. This provides a bevy of options as the Vikings plan their rotation on the defensive line. It’s hard to say just how much of an improvement this will be; it will really depend on who steps up this summer to grab starting positions.
That being said, all four of Phillips, Bullard, Tillery, and Williams have expiring contracts after this season. Lewis notes that this will make the position just as much of a position-of-focus next year in free agency, as well. While one or a few of the above names may prove to be worth re-signing, Lewis already pegs veteran division-rival Kenny Clark as a target free agent next spring. He tabs Patriots defensive tackle Davon Godchaux and Eagles pass rusher Josh Sweat as potential targets, as well.
At cornerback, Byron Murphy and Akayleb Evans return as two starters while veteran Shaquill Griffin comes in as a new starter on the outside, allowing Murphy to play a bit more in the slot, if necessary. Evans has overperformed as a recent fourth-round pick, while his draft classmate Andrew Booth, a former second-rounder, has failed to establish himself in the rotation. There are no real stars in this position group, though Griffin has displayed the ability to be one of the better players at the position in past years.
Like on the defensive line, though, Murphy and Griffin will both be free agents next year, making cornerback a position of focus in 2025, as well. As for future targets at cornerback, Lewis likes Jets corner D.J. Reed and San Francisco’s Charvarius Ward.
None of the free agents Lewis suggests are necessarily stars at their position, and most are in their older years, but all would provide an improvement to what the Vikings currently have on the roster. There are still several months for Minnesota to continue addressing those positions, and there’s still every possibility that the current Vikings will step up and prove that they belong and are good enough to keep around beyond this year.
NFC North Rumors: Tom, Bears, Vikes, Lions
This offseason, Zach Tom loomed as a challenger for either the Packers‘ center or right tackle spots. While it is not known just yet where the second-year blocker will end up, it looks like his playing time will increase. Tom is going to end up starting, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic notes (subscription required). A fourth-round pick out of Wake Forest, Tom started five of the nine games he played last season and saw time at four of the five O-line positions (all but center). Tom did start at center for the Demon Deacons, however, playing there and at left tackle in college. Former second-round pick Josh Myers has been the Packers’ primary center over the past two seasons. Should Tom land at right tackle, Yosh Nijman — whom the team gave a second-round RFA tender this offseason — would be on track to be a backup.
Here is the latest from the NFC North:
- The Bears‘ running back race is still too early to call, but The Athletic’s Adam Jahns and Kevin Fishbain posit that Khalil Herbert is the current frontronner. David Montgomery‘s top backup last season, Herbert flashed when available. The former sixth-round pick averaged 5.7 yards per carry, helping the Bears lead the league in rushing. With Montgomery now in Detroit, the Bears have held a three-man competition — between Herbert, UFA pickup D’Onta Foreman and fourth-rounder Roschon Johnson — to replace him. Even if Herbert wins the starter gig, Chicago’s run-oriented attack will likely require regular workloads from multiple backs.
- Veteran running back Mike Davis stopped through Minneapolis for a recent Vikings workout, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com tweets. Minnesota, which is all set to complete a Dalvin Cook-to-Alexander Mattison transition, recently auditioned Kareem Hunt as well. Beyond Mattison, the Vikings roster Ty Chandler (2022, Round 5) and DeWayne McBride (2023, Round 7) as their top backfield options. Davis, 30, spent last season with the Ravens but did not carve out much playing time — even for a team reeling at running back. He fared better with the Panthers and Falcons in 2020 and 2021, respectively, combining for 1,145 rushing yards in that span.
- Byron Murphy played a versatile role for the Cardinals, lining up in the slot and outside. The Vikings are planning to capitalize on Murphy’s slot experience, with ESPN.com’s Kevin Seifert noting the free agency pickup will move inside when the team shifts to its nickel package. With nickel and dime sets now more common than base alignments, Murphy should be expected to see plenty of slot work in Minnesota.
- A 2022 second-round pick, Andrew Booth has not made a strong case to move into the starting lineup alongside Murphy. The Clemson product is running Akayleb Evans, a 2022 fourth-rounder, along with Joejuan Williams and rookie third-rounder Mekhi Blackmon. Williams and Blackmon look to be competing for the CB3 role, The Athletic’s Alec Lewis adds, and the Minneapolis Star Tribune’s Ben Goessling notes the rookie is believed to be ahead of the former Patriots second-rounder. Evans, who played 162 defensive snaps last season, has spent the most time with the first team of this group. The Vikings have rebooted at corner, letting both Patrick Peterson and slot Chandon Sullivan walk in free agency.
- Danielle Hunter‘s reworked deal calls for a $20.95MM cap hit, and although this is now a contract year for the veteran defensive end, two void years remain on the deal (Twitter links via Goessling and ESPN’s Field Yates). Hunter’s $3MM in incentives are classified as not likely to be earned, per Goessling. The void years would leave the Vikings with a $14.9MM dead-money hit if they do not re-sign Hunter before the 2024 league year begins. Void years led to the Vikings taking a $7.5MM dead-money hit when Dalvin Tomlinson left in free agency this year.
- While Teddy Bridgewater secured $2.5MM guaranteed from the Lions, GOPHNX.com’s Howard Balzer tweets the veteran QB’s Lions deal is worth $3MM in base value. The Lions used a void year, keeping the cap number at $2.66MM.
Vikings To Sign CB Byron Murphy
The Vikings have found their replacement for Patrick Peterson. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (via Twitter), the Vikings are finalizing a deal with cornerback Byron Murphy.
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Murphy is inking a two-year deal, according to Rapoport (on Twitter). Minnesota will pick up Arizona’s No. 1 corner of the past two seasons on just a two-year, $17.5MM deal, Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 tweets.
Going into his age-25 season, the fifth-year defender will see $12.5MM guaranteed. The deal includes $2MM in playing time and Pro Bowl incentives. Of Murphy’s 2024 salary, $4.5MM is already guaranteed for injury. That shifts to a full guarantee on Day 3 of the 2024 league year, per Wilson, giving the Vikings some options.
The former second-round pick emerged as one of Arizona’s most dependable defenders in recent years. The defensive back started only half of his games during his sophomore campaign but rebounded nicely in 2021, starting all 16 of his appearances and finishing the season with a team-leading four interceptions and 12 passes defended.
Murphy had a firm hold on the starting gig heading into the 2022 campaign. He started the first nine games for the Cardinals, compiling 36 tackles and four passes defended. A back injury forced him off the field for the second half of the season, and he was ultimately placed on season-ending injured reserve.
Despite the injury, Murphy still showed more than enough to establish himself as one of the top CBs available in free agency. While Pro Football Focus has generally graded Murphy as a slightly above-average cornerback, the site has always been fond of his run-stopping ability.
Murphy will fill in the void left by Peterson, who ended up signing with the Steelers. Peterson expressed an interest in re-signing with Minnesota, but it’s uncertain if the interest was reciprocated. With Peterson entering his age-33 season, it’s feasible that the organization preferred the 25-year-old Murphy.