There were numerous departing players from the Minnesota Vikings' roster this offseason, but the team was not hesitant about opening its pocketbook to new players. That might cost them.
One of the players who left the team was Camryn Bynum, as he signed with the Indianapolis Colts as a free agent. The Colts gave him a four-year, $60 million contract to join their secondary.
While the Colts spent a significant amount of money on Bynum, it could ultimately prove to be a missed opportunity for the Vikings. One that will only harm the franchise's future.
Why the Minnesota Vikings missed the mark on not bringing back Bynum
Bynum was originally a fourth-round selection of the Vikings in the 2021 NFL Draft and contributed to the team almost immediately. He became a full-time starter in 2022 and had a stellar season. His play in pass coverage has improved over the last two years as he notched a career-high three interceptions in 2024.
He also showed he was not afraid to get his hands dirty by making tackles. In 2023, he had a career-high 137 tackles to show for it.
Everyone will review the contract he received and might be okay with accepting the large deal, but clearly, the Vikings have shown they are willing to pay this offseason. They nearly spent $300 million on free agents so that they could have coughed up some money for Bynum.
The biggest concern is the Vikings' lack of addressing the safety position during the offseason. They did re-sign team legend Harrison Smith to a one-year deal, but Minnesota needs to find a successor for him. The other starting safety is Josh Metellus, who is solid.
Bynum could have come back on a longer deal, and the Vikings could have played with three starting safeties with defensive coordinator Brian Flores moving those safeties around. Smith might have one more year in him, so after 2025, it could be Metellus and Bynum starting at the safety positions.
Now the Vikings will have to address it next offseason, and they might not have many options. They won't have as much cap room to work with and could end up turning to a rookie to start, which could be disastrous.
Entering 2025, Bynum is poised to be a star in the secondary for the Colts and could help the team improve its roster. He's able to do so much in pass coverage and run-stopping, which is the flexibility Indianapolis needed.
The hope is the Vikings have a plan for 2026 because right now, it doesn't feel like a bright future in the secondary.