Minnesota Vikings roster set to hit free agency in March.
Murphy is coming off a strong 2024 season, earning his first career selection to the NFC’s Pro Bowl roster. While the Vikings appear interested in re-signing him, he is expected to draw significant interest from other teams around the league.
If Murphy signs elsewhere, Minnesota will need to bolster its cornerback depth, likely addressing the position through both free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft rather than relying on just one approach.
A recent 2025 NFL mock draft suggests the Vikings could replace Murphy with a young cornerback. If he departs in free agency, selecting a corner in the first round of the draft becomes a strong possibility.
One potential option is Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron, whom CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards projects the Vikings will select with the 24th overall pick. Edwards highlights Barron’s ability as a competitive nickel corner, a crucial role in today’s NFL, and notes that Minnesota’s decision to draft him would provide valuable defensive support for returning coordinator Brian Flores.
Although Edwards does not explicitly label Barron as Murphy’s replacement, the former Texas standout could help fill the gap in Minnesota’s secondary. Even if Murphy remains with the Vikings, selecting a cornerback in the first round could still be on the table, but if he departs, using their top pick on the position seems like a strong likelihood.