Vikings Need Another Big Season from Veteran CB

Dec 1, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Shaquill Griffin (1) and cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. (7) and cornerback Fabian Moreau (23) react after Griffin made an interception late during the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images. Back in 2023, when searching for help at cornerback, the Minnesota Vikings turned to Byron Murphy. The former second-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals was a free agent after his rookie contract expired, and the Vikings swooped and signed Murphy to a two–year, $17.50 million contract. Vikings Need Another Big Season from Veteran CB Since arriving in Minnesota as a CB with inside/outside versatility, the former Cardinal has delivered for the purple team primarily on the outside but with the option to go in the slot when required. It’s safe to say the move has been a success for both parties, with the Vikings re-signing Murphy in the offseason to a bumper three–year, $54 million contract extension — just shy of a $10 million a year increase on his original contract. Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. (7) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images. Murphy earned his bumper contract by following a solid first year in Minnesota with the best season of his career. Pro Football Focus gave him an overall grade of 72.8 (72.6 coverage grade), and he was voted to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career. He had a league-high six interceptions from a cornerback, while also having 14 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble, and racking up 81 tackles. Last season, the Vikings signed veteran CB Stephon Gilmore late in the day, with the former defensive player of the year partnering Murphy on the outside. Veteran CB Shaq Griffin was also signed last but has not returned, so unless Minnesota makes a late addition again this year, Murphy will be the clear CB1. New signings Isaiah Rodgers, Jeff Okudah, Mekhi Blackmon, and Dwight McGlothern are currently set to compete for playing time alongside Murphy. Can Murphy Produce Another Pro Bowl Season? In 2025, the Vikings need another big season from Murphy, as he is set to be the team’s premier cornerback on the perimeter. Can he produce another Pro Bowl-caliber season? The big new contract he has received is for a player of that level, and now Murphy must deliver again. He should have even more help from a defensive front that has been bolstered in the one area it was weak — the interior defensive line. Lots of pressure on the quarterback will always make a team’s secondary’s life easier. Nov 3, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. (7) celebrates his interception against the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images. A lot will be on his shoulders as the clear veteran of an intriguing Vikings CB room at just 27 years old. His job will be more than just being the team’s best cornerback. He needs to be a leader back there for his younger teammates. While Rodgers is the same age, he doesn’t have anywhere near as much playing experience. Blackmon and McGlothern have suited up for eight NFL games between them. Murphy will get leadership help from veteran safeties Harrison Smith and Josh Metellus. Potential is the word for the Vikings’ cornerback situation. If Rodgers can translate his form from last season with the Eagles into a bigger role in Minnesota, he will be an astute signing. As with Okudah, if Brian Flores can tap into the talents that saw him drafted third overall back in 2020. Suppose Blackmon can return from a missed year through injury and build on the promise of his rookie season, and McGlothern can continue to develop his game. In that case, the Vikings might be alright at corner, an area of the team many have circled as a concern. Nov 12, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. (7) celebrates his interception against the New Orleans Saints in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports In a league that has become more and more about explosive offense, Flores’ defense needs to continue to be effective at turning the ball over. They had a league-high (tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers) of 33 takeaways last season. Murphy was a huge part of that, and he needs to do it again in 2025.