The Minnesota Vikings face a complex 2025 offseason with 11 key players set to hit free agency.
While retaining their core contributors from an 8-2 start to the 2024 season is a priority, the team must weigh the financial implications of re-signing players against the potential benefits of more affordable replacements or upgrades.
One of the toughest decisions revolves around fourth-year safety Cam Bynum. Known for his signature celebrations, Bynum’s performance speaks louder than his dance moves. He ranks third on the team in tackles, second in interceptions, and is tied for first in pass deflections. ESPN lists him as the No. 16 free agent in the upcoming class and the No. 2 safety, trailing only Miami Dolphins star Jevon Holland, who ranks No. 3 overall. Bynum is expected to attract significant interest in free agency.
Adding to the challenge, the Vikings’ entire starting cornerback trio—Byron Murphy, Stephon Gilmore, and Shaq Griffin—are also on expiring contracts. According to Star Tribune beat reporter Ben Goessling, if it comes down to retaining Murphy, the team’s top-performing cornerback through 10 games, or Bynum, the Vikings may choose to let Bynum walk.
“They need corners, and none of them are signed,” Goessling said on the Vikings Access podcast. He noted that with Mekhi Blackmon returning from an ACL tear, re-signing Murphy could take precedence. “The value of a corner is greater than that of a deep safety,” he explained.
Bynum has excelled in his role, but the Vikings’ limited cap space means re-signing both Bynum and Murphy could restrict their ability to make impactful additions in other areas, such as guard or interior defensive line. Ultimately, prioritizing cornerback may be the more strategic choice.
Vikings, Cam Bynum Apart in Contract Talks With $67 Million Price Tag in the Air
According to Alec Lewis of The Athletic, the Vikings and Cam Bynum entered into contract discussions before the season but were unable to reach an agreement.
“The Vikings and Bynum’s representation worked on a contract extension before the season but could not come to terms on a deal,” Lewis reported.
KSTP’s Darren Wolfson previously estimated that Bynum, who ranked as Pro Football Focus’ 14th-best safety in 2023, could command a deal similar to Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney’s four-year, $67 million contract—provided he delivers another standout season. Such a price tag could be difficult for the Vikings to justify, given the depth and talent already in their safety group.
Harrison Smith, whose contract runs through 2025, is reportedly contemplating retirement. However, he could opt to return for one final season on a team-friendly deal. If Smith retires, the Vikings have internal options, including shifting Josh Metellus to box safety and promoting Theo Jackson to fill Bynum’s deep safety role.
One of the Vikings’ ‘Four Horsemen,’ Theo Jackson is Ready to Step Into Starting Role in 2025
Theo Jackson, a 2022 sixth-round pick by the Tennessee Titans, found a second chance with the Minnesota Vikings after being signed off the Titans’ practice squad following Lewis Cine’s severe leg injury in London. Initially playing primarily on special teams, Jackson quietly studied every role in the Vikings’ safety room, a process accelerated with the arrival of defensive coordinator Brian Flores in 2023.
“We didn’t know Theo was also learning all of those positions,” Vikings defensive backs coach Daronte Jones told Purple Insider’s Matthew Coller in August.
One of the most intricate roles in Flores’ defense is “The Metellus Role,” which saw Josh Metellus line up in 12 different spots in 2023. Recognizing the importance of this versatility, the Vikings prepared Jackson to serve as Metellus’ backup. His growth was evident.
“His knowledge of how all the pieces fit together grew, and then he started to make plays,” Jones explained.
Despite limited playing time—just 166 snaps across three seasons—Jackson has earned the trust of the coaching staff. The Vikings’ safety unit, led by Harrison Smith, Cam Bynum, and Josh Metellus, has been a cornerstone of Flores’ system. In 2023, all three starters logged over 1,000 snaps, and they are on track to repeat that in 2024. Jackson, though not a regular on the field, is considered an integral part of the group.
“If you watch our meeting room, they’re like the Four Horsemen,” Jones said. “Harry, Cam, Josh, and Theo sit right next to each other, constantly communicating and analyzing tape together.”
Looking ahead, if either Smith retires or Bynum departs in free agency in 2025, Jackson’s development provides confidence that the Vikings won’t need to overspend to fill the gap.
“Heavy is the head that wears the crown,” Jones remarked. “Now he has to carry the responsibility. Expectations are higher, and he’s handled it very well. I like the player he’s becoming and his future.”
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