The Minnesota Vikings are rich with 2025 cap space, but more than half of their current starters on defense are scheduled to become free agents.
General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and his team are likely deciding on future contract extensions as we speak. One NFL insider believes a rising star on defense could be at the front of the line.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler recently predicted that Vikings safety Camryn Bynum, a former fourth-round pick nearing the end of his rookie deal, will land a top-of-the-market contract extension to stay in Minnesota long-term.
Here was Fowler’s take on the projected deal:
“Minnesota has made efforts to extend Bynum, who is a natural successor to Harrison Smith as the Vikings' leader in the secondary. Smith turns 36 in February. Five safeties make at least $16 million per year, and Bynum, whose value is rising after three interceptions and eight passes defensed this season, will look to become the sixth. The Vikings believe they are in a good place with him as far as a long-term working relationship.”
The Vikings simply can’t afford to let Bynum walk in free agency.
He’s been a playmaker for a defense that currently leads the NFL in interceptions (15) and total takeaways (20), and the secondary is already in flux beyond this season with Bryon Murphy Jr., Shaq Griffin and Stephon Gilmore all scheduled to hit free agency. Smith is currently under contract through 2025, but he’s nearing the end of what should be a Hall of Fame career.
Bynum’s ability to play both safety spots and thrive under coach Brian Flores — he had 137 tackles in 2023 — makes this a slam-dunk move for Minnesota at a price that should leave them with plenty of ammo to be aggressive at other positions in free agency as well.
