Next to Sam Darnold, cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. is probably the most notable member of the 2024 Minnesota Vikings roster who is currently set to become a free agent in March.
Murphy is coming off a 2024 campaign that resulted in getting selected to the NFC's Pro Bowl roster for the first time in his pro career, and while it sounds like the Vikings might want to re-sign him this year, he's likely going to have plenty of interest from other teams around the NFL this offseason.
If Murphy ends up signing with another team, then Minnesota is going to need to add some new faces to its cornerback room this year. That's something that the Vikings would likely look to accomplish in both free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft, rather than just one or the other.
Minnesota Vikings replace Byron Murphy Jr. with young CB in recent 2025 NFL mock draft
If Murphy decides to break the bank in free agency this offseason and join another franchise, then Minnesota using its first-round pick in this year's NFL Draft on a corner certainly won't be out of the question.
Among the young cornerback prospects the Vikings could select with their top 2025 draft pick is Jahdae Barron out of Texas, who is exactly the player that CBS Sports' Josh Edwards has Minnesota using the 24th overall selection on in his recent 2025 mock draft.
Here's what Edwards had to say about his decision to have the Vikings pick Barron.
"Defensive coordinator Brian Flores is returning next season and Minnesota rewards that with additional help on defense. Jahdae Barron is a competitive nickel corner, which is essentially a starting role in today's NFL. Look at the best teams this season and you will find that they all received great play in that role."
Now, Edwards doesn't mention Barron as a replacement for Murphy, but the former Longhorns defensive back would definitely help Minnesota fill the void in its secondary if the veteran corner leaves in free agency.
It's also possible that the Vikings could still consider using their first-round pick on a cornerback like Barron even if Murphy decides to remain in the Twin Cities. But if Murphy's gone, Minnesota drafting a corner in the opening round of this year's NFL Draft would seem like a very safe bet to make.