Vikings Face Free Agency Challenges as Darnold, Murphy Jr. Eye Lucrative Deals
The Minnesota Vikings sent seven players to the 2025 NFL Pro Bowl Games, but two of them—quarterback Sam Darnold and cornerback Byron Murphy Jr.—are shaping up to be major free-agent flight risks.
With 25 pending free agents, Minnesota faces some tough decisions this offseason. While they’d love to retain Darnold, his projected market value of over $40 million per season makes negotiations tricky. The franchise tag remains an option, but it’s a route neither Darnold nor the team appears eager to take.
Darnold and Murphy Jr. Set for Major Paydays
Darnold, only 27 years old, has logged 73 career NFL starts and stands to benefit from a weak 2025 NFL Draft quarterback class. With quarterback-needy teams like the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants in play, he could command a three-year, $120 million deal, according to Marcus Mosher of The 33rd Team.
Meanwhile, Murphy Jr.—Minnesota’s top cornerback—is projected to land a contract worth over $22 million per season. The 27-year-old has 79 career starts and offers versatility as both a boundary and slot corner, making him a prime target for teams needing secondary help.
Could the Giants Be in the Mix?
The New York Giants emerge as a potential suitor for both Darnold and Murphy Jr.. With uncertainty at quarterback, the Giants could view Darnold as a short-term solution if they fail to land a top prospect in the draft. However, at $40 million per year, his price tag could be a tough pill to swallow.
Murphy Jr., on the other hand, would be a valuable addition to a Giants secondary featuring Deonte Banks and Dru Phillips. At $16 million per year, Mosher believes Murphy’s contract would be team-friendly, especially given his experience and positional flexibility.
Minnesota’s Free Agency Approach
With limited draft capital, the Vikings are expected to be aggressive in free agency, but losing both Darnold and Murphy Jr. would create significant roster holes. Other key free agents, including safety Cam Bynum and running back Aaron Jones, could also test the market.
General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will have to weigh the cost of retaining top talent against the need to upgrade key positions, particularly along the offensive and defensive lines. With Darnold and Murphy Jr. likely to command massive contracts, the Vikings may need to pivot to alternative solutions in the coming weeks.
As free agency looms, all eyes will be on Minnesota to see if they can keep their top players—or if they’ll be forced to rebuild in key areas.
