Byron Murphy: Everything you need to know

Murphy concluded the regular season with 71 tackles (48 solo), seven defensed passes (including two interceptions) and one fumble recovery over 17 games. Murphy started all 17 of Minnesota's contests for the second straight season, but he couldn't replicate his 2024-25 Pro Bowl campaign. Murphy finished with 10 fewer stops and seven fewer pass defenses, and while he tied for the Vikings' lead with two pickoffs, that number was well below the six he recorded the previous season. Murphy was still a central part of the team's defense and should continue to fill that role next season in what will be the second year of the three-year extension he signed last March.

Murphy posted three solo tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery during the Vikings' 23-10 win over the Lions on Thursday. Murphy scooped up a Jahmyr Gibbs fumble early in the second quarter, and the former caused another turnover by picking off Jared Goff midway through the third frame, which ended up leading to a 52-yard field goal from Will Reichard nine plays later. Both of Murphy's two interceptions have come over the last two weeks, and the 2019 second-rounder is up to 67 tackles (45 solo) and seven pass defenses through 16 regular-season games.

Murphy recorded four tackles (all solo) Monday in a 27-24 victory versus the Bears. Murphy was on the field for all 67 of Minnesota's defensive snaps. He's coming off a 2024 campaign during which he registered career-best marks with 81 tackles and six interceptions over 17 regular-season contests.