Minnesota Vikings Sign Top CB Back on Massive New Deal

The Minnesota Vikings started the first day of the NFL negotiating period like a tortoise. Other teams across the league were running around like hare’s with their heads cut off. But not the Vikings, who must’ve been a bit gobsmacked by some of the money that was thrown around early in the day on Monday.

While other teams locked in top free agent after top free agent, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah signed a CB3, Isaiah Rodgers (Eagles) who’s spent way more time during the first few seasons of his NFL career either on the bench or suspended, than on the field. Shortly after that, they signed depth safety Bubba Bolden, who has zero snaps of regular season NFL experience under his belt.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Free Agency Signings – 2025

But this evening, Kwesi finally started cooking a little bit out in Eagan. First, news broke that the Minnesota Vikings had agreed to terms with 31-year-old 4X Pro Bowl center, Ryan Kelly, which begs all sorts of questions regarding Garrett Bradbury’s role in purple, going forward.

Minnesota Vikings sign Byron Murphy Jr to massive new contract

Minnesota’s most significant, and expensive, signing of the day didn’t come until late, though. Around 8:30 p.m. CDT, Tom Pelissero (NFL Network) broke the news that 27-year-old top cornerback, Byron Murphy Jr was returning on a 3-year, $66 million contract. Per Josina Anderson, $35 million is guaranteed at signing.

The Minnesota Vikings worked hard to get Byron Murphy Jr under contract before the NFL negotiating period began, but were unable to strike a deal. Talks fell apart last week. So, what got the two sides back to talking on Monday.

In all likelihood, the Vikings realized that Murphy was going to get paid over $20 million per season, just like his representation had been holding out for. Thus, his deal comes in at $22 million per season, which makes him a to 5 most handsomely paid CBs in the NFL, behind only Jaycee Horn, Jalen Ramsey and Patrick Surtain II.

Related: Vikings Young Safety Finds Greener Pastures

In his first two seasons with as a MN Viking, Byron Murphy Jr collected 138 tackles, 10 TFL, 2 forced fumbles, 27 passes defended and 9 interceptions (6 last season), the University of Washington alum’s best NFL season so far. Murphy Jr was graded a 72.8 overall by PFF on defense last year, including a 72.6 coverage grade.