Four of five starters from the Minnesota Vikings’ secondary are ranked among the top 100 eligible free agents by Pro Football Focus (PFF) this offseason, meaning there are some tough decisions ahead in Minnesota.
Atop the group is free safety, Cam Bynum.
Ranked the 31st best free agent in 2025, Bynum is expected to command a competitive market. PFF projected Bynum to garner a three-year contract worth $42.8 million.
Despite “mutual interest” in an extension going back as far as last summer, no deal appears on the horizon with less than two months until free agency opens.
Bynum addressed his future in a recent fan meet-and-greet that signals there hasn’t been much progress.
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“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, Bynum is coming off two impressive seasons under defensive coordinator Brian Flores. He totaled 233 tackles, five interceptions, 19 passes defensed, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries between the 2023-24 seasons.
But with needs at other positions, safety may not be a top priority for the Vikings to pay out a top-end contract to Bynum.
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The Vikings’ other starting covermen who are pending free agents include cornerback Byron Murphy, Jr, ranked 33rd by PFF. Harrison Smith and Stephon Gilmore also made the list as well at No. 54 and No. 67, respectively.
Minnesota may consider signing Murphy instead of Bynum due to cornerback being a position of higher priority. Murphy is projected to secure a three-year, $52 million deal.
Sinking over $100 million into two defensive backs would hinder the Vikings’ ability to build up other areas of the roster — making the decision appear to be between Bynum or Murphy, not both.
However, if Smith retires, the Vikings could justify the need to re-sign Bynum.
There’s likely a price point Minnesota would like to bring back Bynum, but considering past contract talks have fallen through, there’s a clear divide on both sides approaching free agency.
