One of the top defenses in the NFL could look a lot different in 2025.
The Minnesota Vikings have few holes on that side of the football entering the second half of the regular season. But when the offseason arrives, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and crew will have to address a cornerback group that currently features three starters on expiring contracts.
The Vikings will certainly have the cap space to bring Stephon Gilmore, Shaq Griffin and Byron Murphy Jr. back this offseason, but the scouting department from Bleacher Report believes the team will have some competition if their guys hit the open market.
One potential flight risk the site mentioned was Murphy Jr., who has excelled in more of a slot corner role this season, bolting for the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. Here was their take on the potential move:
"Trent McDuffie is easily the Chiefs' No. 1 corner, but it gets murky after that. This team misses L'Jarius Sneed, and they haven't had other young corners step into the void. If the Chiefs are going to spend real money in free agency, then a cornerback is one of the things they might want to spend it on.
"Byron Murphy should be at the top of their list. He's proving he can excel in an aggressive scheme that asks him to play press coverage. That would make him a good fit for Steve Spagnuolo as they look to remain one of the best defenses in the league."
Murphy is currently playing out the final season of a two-year, $17.5 million contract with the Vikings. The two sides were reportedly discussing an extension in the offseason, but those talks stalled out. Minnesota envisioned Murphy playing the nickel all along, and with Griffin and Gilmore locking down the outside, he’s had a chance to show his value in that role this year.
Still, the longer Murphy’s camp goes without a deal, the more the allure of the open market comes into play. The chance to join Kansas City’s dynasty could be tempting if it gets to that point in 2025.
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