Vikings Face Tough Call: Cam Bynum or Byron Murphy Jr.? Latest Free Agency Buzz
With the Super Bowl officially in the rearview mirror, the focus now shifts to the NFL offseason, and for the Minnesota Vikings, that means making critical roster decisions. With free agency fast approaching, the front office must decide which key players to retain—and which to let walk.
Two of the biggest names in question? Safety Camryn Bynum and cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. Both have delivered strong seasons, but with budget constraints, it’s highly unlikely the Vikings can afford both. So, the big question remains—who stays, and who goes?
Report: Vikings Leaning Toward Keeping Cam Bynum Over Byron Murphy Jr.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Vikings are expected to prioritize re-signing Camryn Bynum, while Byron Murphy Jr. is likely to test the open market.
“In the secondary, the sense here is Murphy walks, but Bynum could stay under a new deal.” – Jeremy Fowler, ESPN
This move would align with Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s track record of making strategic, cap-friendly decisions. Last season, he demonstrated his willingness to bring in new talent by signing Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel, both of whom thrived.
Keeping Bynum over Murphy seems to be a financial decision as much as anything else. While both defenders played over 1,000 snaps in 2024, Murphy was the higher-rated player, earning a 73.4 PFF grade with 72 tackles and six interceptions, along with a Pro Bowl selection. Bynum, on the other hand, finished with a 61.6 PFF grade, 67 solo tackles, and three interceptions—solid production at what will likely be a more affordable price.
Tough Business Decisions Ahead
If Fowler’s report is accurate, parting ways with Murphy won’t be easy. After joining the Vikings in 2023, he delivered two strong seasons and quickly became a key piece of the defense. However, this is the nature of the NFL offseason—teams must make tough choices, and in this case, it looks like Bynum will be the one to stay.
Now, all that’s left is to wait and see what Minnesota ultimately decides.
