Vikings Sign Former Husky CB Byron Murphy
One of the top cornerbacks on the market has officially found a new home. The former 33rd overall pick and Washington Husky alumnus will be heading to the NFC North to join the Minnesota Vikings on a two-year, $22 million deal.
The Vikings, who have struggled for the past few years to put together a functioning secondary through the draft, have found a capable cornerback who can line up against an opponent's top receiver every week. Minnesota also ranked 31st in passing yards allowed in 2022, letting up 4,515 yards through the air, only the Tennessee Titans allowed more.
While Murphy struggled with injuries in 2022, which limited him to only nine games, his 2021 stats show what kind of player he can be when healthy. That year, he recorded a career-high four interceptions, and 12 passes defensed on his way to a Pro Bowl selection.
The 25-year-old Arizona native also led the Cardinals in passes defensed as a rookie, batting down 10 balls. That number was good for third among rookies, but might be in for a different kind of challenge in his new division.
While Murphy will still have to contend with some hard to cover receivers, like Detroit's Amon Ra St. Brown, and new Chicago acquisition D.J. Moore, he's going to have to play a lot more run support. That's a challenge Murphy should be more than up to, and Husky fans know as well as anybody he's not afraid to come downhill and make big-time tackles.
The structure of Murphy's contract with Minnesota is intriguing, as he has a chance to hit the open market again at 27 years old. If he plays well on this short-term contract, the Vikings will have to make the decision to either pony up a long-term extension for him, or he'll hit the open market in the prime of his career.
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