Before Brian Flores accepted the defensive coordinator job with the Minnesota Vikings, he spent time with Mike Tomlin in Pittsburgh, serving as a senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach for the Steelers during the 2022 season.

There’s little doubt that Flores gained some influence from Pittsburgh’s notoriously tough, physical and ball-hawking style on defense. He’s brought some of that attitude to Minnesota, helping the Vikings field a unit that led the NFL in interceptions (24) and total turnovers forced (33, tied with Pittsburgh), while ranking top-five in both scoring defense and total sacks.

Part of the reason for that success is a number of free agent signings that have hit since Flores’ arrival as DC in 2023. The team has gotten Pro Bowl-level play from guys like CB Bryon Murphy Jr., EDGE Jonathan Greenard, LB Blake Cashman and EDGE Andrew Van Ginkel, creating a solid core that should keep the Vikings competing in the NFC North and beyond for years to come.

Murphy Jr., in particular, was selected for the NFC’s Pro Bowl roster this season after going off for six interceptions in a contract year. Matt Holder of Bleacher Report believes Murphy has already priced himself out of Minnesota, recently predicting Tomlin’s Steelers as a top suitor for his services in 2025 free agency.

Here was Holder’s take on Pittsburgh potentially poaching one of Flores’ key starters on defense:

Byron Murphy Jr. likely made himself a lot of money by coming to Minnesota, as he should be in demand this offseason. The Steelers should have enough money to make a run at him, and it would make sense to do so. They need a running mate for Joey Porter Jr., and signing Murphy would eliminate a big need so they can focus on drafting the best player available. Murphy’s ability to play press in an aggressive defense would fit the ethos of the Steelers defense.

Murphy’s value comes in his versatility, as he can flow seamlessly from the boundary to the slot. He’s seen an uptick in snaps as Minnesota’s nickel corner this season, and his 1,056 snaps overall led all Vikings defensive players.

The Steelers brought in former Carolina Panthers cornerback Donte Jackson on a prove-it deal this past offseason, and he rewarded them with five interceptions. It’s reasonable to see the team going bigger at that position this offseason, though, especially with $58.3 million in projected cap space for 2025.

The Vikings explored an extension with Murphy’s camp this offseason, and will likely revisit talks following this year’s playoff run. With that said, Murphy has upped the ante by putting together his best season as a pro, Flores has multiple head coach interviews lined up, and the Vikings have a long list of impending free agents, starting with quarterback Sam Darnold.

Minnesota would love to keep this defensive core together, but change could be coming on that side of the ball. It will take a sizable contract extension — likely in the neighborhood of $20 million per season — to keep Murphy away from the open market. If his situation gets to that point, expect the Steelers to be in the mix.