Byron Murphy Jr. he was one of many cornerbacks who succeeded Patrick Peterson in Arizona. He may additionally assume Peterson’s previous place and quantity in Minnesota.
The Vikings wrapped up a busy day of strikes earlier than the beginning of free company by agreeing to a two-year cope with the previous Cardinals cornerback on Tuesday evening, including the 25-year-old to new defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ scheme.
The deal, which a league supply mentioned needs to be value about $22 million, offers the Vikings an skilled cornerback to go along with a gaggle of younger gamers after Peterson, the chief of the cornerback group for the final two seasons. introduced Monday that he’ll signal with the Steelers. Cameron Dantzler, who began 9 video games at cornerback final season, was waived final week.
The addition of Murphy got here after the Vikings agreed to new offers on Tuesday with 4 of his personal pending free brokers: middle Garrett Bradbury, lengthy snapper Andrew DePaola, kicker Greg Joseph and working again quarterback Nick Mullens. Bradbury and DePaola bought three-year offers, whereas Joseph and Mullens bought one-year offers.
The Vikings should be below the wage cap at 3pm on Wednesday to make free agent signings official. They could must make a number of strikes to place themselves in a very good management place for the beginning of the league 12 months, though they may defer $16 million off its 2023 books will convert quarterback Kirk Cousins’ $20 million roster bonus right into a signing bonus Tuesday, in accordance with a league supply.
The Vikings’ cap limitation meant they needed to be selective of their free agent additions. Murphy, like former Saints defensive finish Marcus Davenport, offers him one other defender in his mid-20s who may present good worth if he reveals he is past the harm that has plagued him this season previous
Murphy performed 9 video games final season whereas coping with a again harm, however had 4 interceptions and 12 passes defensed in 2021. He performed 22.3% of his snaps in man protection final season, in accordance with the Professional Soccer Focus, and was a high second-round choose in 2019 due to the person protection expertise he confirmed in school at Washington.
The Vikings hope Murphy is recovered and able to be a key part of Flores’ protection as they give the impression of being to get second-year gamers Akayleb Evans and Andrew Sales space able to return from accidents and play a much bigger function on protection. Coach Kevin O’Connell mentioned final week Sales space is predicted to be prepared for coaching camp after recovering from a torn meniscus, whereas Evans will attempt to return from the three contusions he suffered in 2022.
Murphy is the third outdoors free agent that the Vikings have acquired, after Davenport and former Ravens tight finish Josh Oliverwho had a three-year deal on Monday.
Bradbury, the highest-rated middle in franchise historical past at 18th total in 2019 out of North Carolina State, was scheduled to turn into a free agent on Wednesday after the group declined a fifth-year choice of $16 million final 12 months in his rookie contract. However after a bounce-back season, he’ll stick with a three-year deal value $15.75 million, in accordance with NFL Media.
Bradbury performed nicely by means of 12 begins earlier than a a again harm led to a five-game absence. After returning for the 31-24 NFC wild-card playoff loss to the Giants, Bradbury mentioned he needed to signal a brand new cope with the Vikings and instructed O’Connell, “That is essentially the most enjoyable 12 months I’ve had ” in Minnesota.
Bradbury’s return ensures the Vikings may have all 5 beginning offensive linemen below contract for a minimum of subsequent season; left guard Ezra Cleveland is a free agent in 2024. The Vikings’ pending free brokers this week embrace backup offensive linemen Austin Schlottmann, who was the backup middle final 12 months, and sort out Oli Udoh.
Joseph is coming off a clutch season by which he made 22 of 23 subject targets contained in the 50-yard line. Whereas he was 4 of 10 from past 50 yards, he he set the franchise report with a 61-yard game-winning drive within the Dec. 24 win in opposition to the Giants. Joseph additionally had game-winning catches in opposition to the Saints, Commanders, Payments and Colts.
DePaola, an NFL journeyman who turns 36 in Julywas a primary Professional Bowl and All-Professional choice as an extended snapper final season.
Employees author Andrew Krammer contributed to the report.