Minnesota Vikings Safety Patiently Waiting for Contract Extension

By Ezra Greenman |

Updated: Oct 11, 2024

NFL: New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings — Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings are off to a solid 5-0 start, and a lot of that has to do with how the defense is playing. They probably have the best defense in the league, thanks to defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who has dudes like Cam Bynum playing out of their minds.

Cam Bynum is in his fourth NFL season, and the final year of his rookie deal. The 2021 fourth round pick has been making plays since his debut in the league. The only question now? Can the Vikings lock him up for the long haul?

NFL insider suggests Minnesota Vikings will sign Cam Bynum to a contract extension

Minnesota Vikings, Cam Bynum — Credit: Shaun Brooks-Imagn Images

In a recent article at ESPN, insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano went back and forth exchanging different takes on some of the hot rumors they are hearing behind the NFL scenes. One topic surrounded likely extension candidates around the league. Fowler’s pick? Minnesota Vikings safety Cam Bynum.

I’ll go with Vikings safety Camryn Bynum. Minnesota and Bynum discussed an extension in recent months but couldn’t reach an agreement. As of now, he is set to enter free agency. He’s thriving in Brian Flores’ defense, with two interceptions, five pass deflections and a fumble recovery.

Making splash plays in a contract year is a way to nudge the team back to the negotiation table with a stronger offense. That could be the case here. Bynum also fortifies a clear position of need in the future. Harrison Smith is turning 36 in February. The Vikings released 2022 first-rounder Lewis Cine in August. Bynum has leverage and could wait until March to exercise it.
Jeremy Fowler – ESPN

Like Fowler pointed out, Bynum has already snagged two interceptions, broken up five passes, and recovered a fumble this season. Brian Flores knows how to get the most out of his guys, and Bynum’s the perfect example of that.

Bynum’s price is only going up

But the longer Minnesota waits to get him extended long term, it appears he will only get more expensive. Bynum’s four-year, $4.2 million rookie deal wraps up after this season, and if the Vikings can’t lock him down before then, he’s going to be one of the hottest free agents on the market this offseason.

Aaron Rodgers throws a pick on back-to-back drives! Cam Bynum with an interception this time! #SKOL #Vikings #Jets #NFL pic.twitter.com/5Yp6qA5xn0
— 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝕏 (@MessiahVikings) October 6, 2024

That’s why Bynum is in no hurry to get a deal done. He has all the leverage. Fowler’s sources tell him that the Minnesota Vikings have already looked into contract options, but haven’t settled on anything.

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah needs to do whatever it takes to keep Bynum in purple and gold. With rumors swirling regarding Harrison Smith’s likely retirement at the end of this season, now is the perfect time to get Bynum locked up long term.