Vikings Free Agency 2023: Arrivals, departures, and rumors from Day 2
By Adam Patrick
New Additions – Day 2
Byron Murphy – CB
- 2022 Team: Arizona Cardinals
- Contract: 2 years, $22 million
On Tuesday, the Vikings were able to come to an agreement with former Arizona Cardinals cornerback Byron Murphy. Minnesota’s pass defense ranked 31st in the NFL in 2022, so adding someone like Murphy was clearly a priority for the team this offseason.
Despite the fact that he is still just 25-years-old, Murphy currently has the most experience among all of the Vikings’ corners under contract with the team. During his four seasons in the NFL, he managed to start a total of 48 games for the Cardinals.
In his four years with Arizona, the 5-foot-11, 190-pound Murphy spent his time lined up both on the outside and in the slot. His versatility is something that new Minnesota defensive coordinator Brian Flores should be able to use to his advantage in 2023.
The Vikings made a splash on Monday with the reported signing of free-agent pass rusher Marcus Davenport, and then on Tuesday, they were able to add another top 2023 free agent in Murphy. Fixing their underwhelming defense has clearly been a top priority for Minnesota in free agency so far this year.