Last offseason, the Vikings signed free agent cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. to a two-year deal to boost their secondary. As an experienced player who is still in his mid-20s, Murphy fit the mold that GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah likes to target.
Will they go back to that well this year? The Vikings could certainly use another starting corner for Brian Flores' defense. ESPN's Matt Bowen has them listed as the best team fit for a 26-year-old free agent corner who was drafted six slots behind Murphy in 2019. It's Sean Murphy-Bunting, the ex-Buccaneer and Titan who ranks 38th in Bowen's top 50 FAs.
I originally had Murphy-Bunting to Arizona here, but I believe the Vikings will be seeking some corners for Brian Flores' aggressive system, and he'd work well in Minnesota. With his long frame and fluid hips, Murphy-Bunting can challenge on the outside or match in blitz coverage. He has eight interceptions and 22 pass breakups over five pro seasons, with two picks in 2023 in Tennessee.
Murphy-Bunting starred at Central Michigan and was drafted 39th overall by Tampa Bay in 2019. He spent his four years with the Buccaneers, starting 36 regular season games and winning a Super Bowl in his second season. During that playoff run, he had an interception in each of the Bucs' three NFC victories that led them to a matchup with the Chiefs. He then signed a one-year deal with the Titans last year and started 14 games for them. Murphy-Bunting has good length, the versatility to play multiple spots, and plenty of playmaking ability. He'd be a solid pickup for Flores and Minnesota this spring.
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