Pro Football Focus (PFF) has ranked four of the five starters from the Minnesota Vikings’ secondary among the top 100 eligible free agents this offseason, signaling some tough decisions for the team. Leading the group is free safety Cam Bynum.
Ranked as the 31st best free agent for 2025, Cam Bynum is expected to attract strong interest in the market. PFF has projected he could secure a three-year contract worth $42.8 million. Although there has been “mutual interest” in a contract extension dating back to last summer, no deal seems imminent with less than two months before free agency begins. Bynum recently addressed his future at a fan meet-and-greet, indicating that there hasn’t been much progress on the negotiations.
“I’m not sure what it’s looking like, but I’m praying I’m back here,” Bynum told FOX 9 on Jan. 22. “I’ve loved everything about my four years here… being a Vikings, there’s nothing better. I’m praying it will work out, and I know God will put me exactly where I need to be.”
A 2021 fourth-round pick, Cam Bynum has had two strong seasons under defensive coordinator Brian Flores, racking up 233 tackles, five interceptions, 19 passes defensed, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries between the 2023-24 seasons. However, with the Vikings needing to address other positions, safety might not be a top priority, making it uncertain whether they’ll commit to a top-tier contract for Bynum.
The Vikings have other starting defensive backs set to hit free agency, including cornerback Byron Murphy Jr., who is ranked 33rd by PFF. Safety Harrison Smith and cornerback Stephon Gilmore also made the list, coming in at No. 54 and No. 67, respectively. Given that cornerback is often considered a higher priority, Minnesota may opt to sign Murphy over Bynum. Murphy is projected to land a three-year, $52 million contract.
Investing over $100 million in two defensive backs would limit the Vikings’ ability to strengthen other parts of their roster, making it seem likely that the decision will come down to Bynum or Murphy, but not both. However, if Harrison Smith retires, the team could find a reason to re-sign Bynum. While Minnesota likely has a target price for bringing Bynum back, past contract discussions falling through suggest there’s a noticeable divide between the two sides heading into free agency.
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