Although the Minnesota Vikings don’t often negotiate contracts in the middle of the season, it would be prudent to make a cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. an offer he can’t turn down. Prior to this season, Murphy, who was in the last year of his two-year, $17.5 million contract in Minnesota, had not offered the Vikings much of an incentive to seek an extension. However, with four interceptions so far this season, Murphy is tied for third place in the league after nine games. He is the highest-rated Vikings cornerback this season, ranking 18th with a 71.4 defensive grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF), and has been ranked as the third-best cornerback in the NFL for the last three weeks.
All three of the Vikings’ starting cornerbacks — Stephon Gilmore, Shaquill Griffinand Murphy — are playing on expiring contracts. Minnesota will need to reload in free agency regardless if they re-sign Murphy or not. But the Vikings should attempt to retain him after head coach Kevin O’Connell tipped his hat to the 26-year-old corner’s unique role this week.
O’Connell discussed Murphy’s better play during a news conference on November 15th. Murphy’s improved cornerback play has enabled him to return to the slot role that the Vikings had in mind for him when he joined the team. According to Tyler Forness of A to Z Sports, O’Connell stated, “Once we were able to solidify everything with Flo [Brian Flores] and really build on the defence year after year, Murph really gets to be in that location where he’s so incredibly impactful.”
“We’ve got some good nickel inside players in this league right now, different varieties and types whether they’re safety types that are dropping down as that fifth DB or true nickels like Murph where he’s got the corner skillset, he’s a willing and able tackler, great instincts, great ball skills and then if he’s got to on those early downs whether it’s him or Steph outside, those guys are playing really, really well right now.”
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