It appears the Arizona Cardinals will lose both of their higher-profile free agents. After defensive lineman Zach Allen agreed to a three-year deal with the Denver Broncos, cornerback Byron Murphy is nearing a two-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Per Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, it is a deal worth $22 million.
Murphy, the 33rd pick in the 2019 draft, was a starter all four seasons he played for the Cardinals. Primarily a slot corner for three seasons, he played mostly on the outside in 2022 and was having his best season before a back injury ended his year.
He played only nine games in 2022.
The 25-year-old cornerback replaces former Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson in Minnesota. Peterson, after two seasons with the Vikings after a decade with the Cardinals, is now headed to the Pittsburgh Steelers on a two-year deal.
The loss leaves the Cardinals with major questions at cornerback. The only two currently under contract are third-year pro Marco Wilson and Christian Matthew, drafted in the sixth round last year.
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