After a breakout campaign with the Vikings, standout cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. isn’t going anywhere.

In their biggest splash of free agency so far, the Vikings have agreed to terms with Murphy to ensure he remains a part of the secondary for the foreseeable future. He was set to hit the open market this week.

It’s a three-year, $66 million deal for Murphy, which will make him among the highest-paid players at the position. Though it might seem like a lot of money on the surface, Murphy proved himself worthy of that type of contract with his play on the field.

Originally selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round of the 2019 draft, Murphy has found a home with the Vikings.

Not only has Murphy steadily improved since initially signing a two-year, $17.50 million deal with the Vikings on March 15, 2023, he has blossomed into an irreplaceable player because of his versatility and playmaking.

That was on display time and time again last season, as Murphy finished with a career-high six interceptions, while adding 81 tackles, a forced fumble and 14 pass deflections.

Colts’ Kelly signs

A top priority for the Vikings this offseason was improving the interior of the offensive line.

That much was clear after the playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams when head coach Kevin O’Connell made his feelings clear, saying, “It’s the foundation of the interior of the pocket that we’re going to have to take a long look at.”

That process is underway with big changes potentially in the works.

A source confirmed to the Pioneer Press that the Vikings have agreed to terms with Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly. It’s a two-year, $18 million deal for Kelly, who has started 121 games for the Indianapolis Colts since being selected in the first round of the 2016 draft.

What does Kelly’s arrival in Minnesota mean for incumbent center Garrett Bradbury? That remains to be seen. Though it seemed like he might be safe to play out the remainder of his current contract, Bradbury has struggled at various points throughout his career.

It’s worth noting that Kelly played alongside offensive guard Will Fries with the Colts. It would make for a rather seamless transition if the Vikings are able to walk away from free agency with both Kelly and Fries under contract.

Cornerback added

The Vikings’ first move Monday was agreeing to terms with cornerback Isaiah Rodgers.

It’s a two-year, $15 million deal for Rodgers, who was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts and recently won a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Though his 5-foot-10, 170-pound frame is a little bit smaller than defensive coordinator Brian Flores typically likes at the position, Rodgers has a good amount of experience under his belt, and should play a key role for the Vikings next season.

Originally selected by the Colts in the sixth round of the 2020 draft, Rodgers played a few seasons with them before being suspended for violating the NFL’s gambling policy. He signed with the Eagles after being waived by the Colts, then was reinstated ahead of last season.

Bynum headed to Colts

It always felt as if safety Cam Bynum was going to be too expensive for the Vikings to keep around. That proved to be the case Monday as Bynum reportedly agreed to terms on a four-year, $60 million deal with the Colts.

A number of players took to social media to praise Bynum shortly after the news broke. The most poignant of those messages came from safety Josh Metellus, who posted a broken heart emoji that indicated the Vikings were moving on from his best friend.

The next order of business for the Vikings at the position is figuring if veteran safety Harrison Smith intends to play next season. If he decides to put off retirement once again, the Vikings will gladly have him back.

Wright re-signs

In an effort to keep continuity on special teams, the Vikings agreed to terms with punter Ryan Wright in the hours leading up to the legal tampering period. He averaged 46.5 yards per punt last season while serving as the holder in an operation that included rookie kicker Will Reichard and long snapper Andrew DePaola.

It wouldn’t be surprising if the Vikings brought in somebody to compete with Wright this spring or summer. That said, Wright is currently in pole position to retain his starting job.

Briefly

Other players the Vikings lost included tight end Johnny Mundt, who agreed to terms with the Jacksonville Jaguars, and edge rusher Pat Jones II, who agreed to terms with the Carolina Panthers.