Report: Vikings Finalizing Two-Year Deal With CB Byron Murphy Jr.

The Vikings are finalizing a two-year deal worth roughly $22 million for former Cardinals cornerback Byron Murphy Jr., according to NFL Network's Ian Rapaport.

This is a big-time addition for GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and the Vikings. Cornerback was their obvious No. 1 need this offseason after Patrick Peterson left in free agency and Cameron Dantzler was released, and in Murphy, they land one of the premier options on the market.

Murphy, who just turned 25, fits into the mold Adofo-Mensah established with his first two signings of free agency, TE Josh Oliver and DE Marcus Davenport. He's in the prime of his career and has a lot of athletic upside. Like Oliver and Davenport, this is a short-term deal that gives the Vikings flexibility moving forward. If Murphy is a great fit, he could be a part of Minnesota's plans for a long time. If things don't work out for whatever reason, it's only a two-year commitment.

One of the main appealing things about Murphy is his versatility. He can play both outside and in the slot, which will make him a great piece for defensive coordinator Brian Flores to have at his disposal. For his career, he's played 50 percent of his snaps at outside corner, 43 percent in the slot, and the other seven percent in the box. Murphy played mostly on the outside this year before missing the final eight games of the season with a back injury, but he might return to the slot in Minnesota depending on what happens during the rest of their offseason.

The No. 33 pick out of Washington in 2019, Murphy spent the last four seasons with the Cardinals. He had 34 passes defended, five interceptions, five fumble recoveries, two touchdowns, and three sacks during his Arizona tenure. Murphy is a good run defender with ball skills, but his tackling consistency has room for improvement.

Murphy instantly becomes the top player in a Vikings cornerback room that also features second-year players Andrew Booth Jr. and Akayleb Evans.

Thanks for reading. Make sure to bookmark this site and check back daily for the latest Vikings news and analysis all offseason long. Also, follow me on Twitter and feel free to ask me any questions on there.