The Minnesota Vikings continued to move closer to the NFL’s 2026 salary cap Friday. The latest effort from the Vikings to accomplish that feat involved cornerback Byron Murphy Jr.
The Athletic’s Alec Lewis reported the Vikings have restructured Murphy’s contract. The move will open $11.32 million in cap space.
Murphy is entering the second season of the 3-year, $54 million contract he signed with the Vikings last offseason.
The cornerback made the Pro Bowl for the Vikings just before he inked that extension. He made the 2024 Pro Bowl behind six interceptions, 14 pass defenses and six tackles for loss.
In 2025, Murphy posted 71 combined tackles, seven pass defenses and two interceptions.
The contract restructure comes as the Vikings are furiously trying to shed salary to get under the 2026 salary cap. Minnesota also restructured contracts for wide receiver Justin Jefferson and left tackle Christian Darrisaw on Friday.
The NFL set its 2026 salary cap at $301.2 million.
For much of this week, the Vikings have been over the cap by the widest amount in the entire league according to Spotrac.
Vikings Restructure Contract for CB Byron Murphy Jr.
The Vikings have been shedding salary with moves throughout this week preparing to be cap compliant when the new league year begins on Wednesday, March 11.
As of mid-afternoon on March 6, the Vikings had moved to $15.8 million over the cap. That’s more than $30 million better than where they were a couple days ago.
However, according to Spotrac, the Vikings still have the second-worst salary cap situation in the league.
The good news, though, is Spotrac’s $15.8 million over the cap projection doesn’t appear to include Murphy’s restructured deal. The Vikings might be as close to $4 million over the cap.
That doesn’t improve their overall cap ranking. The Colts are 30th in cap space at $4.03 million above the cap. But obviously, the Vikings are getting close to “out of the red.”
Minnesota could still trade defensive lineman Jonathan Greenard to cut salary before free agency. Furthermore, although their releases have already been announced, Spotrac hasn’t taken into account the Vikings cutting defensive end Javon Hargrave and running back Aaron Jones.
On March 1, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the Vikings would release both players if they weren’t traded.
The NFL’s legal tampering period begins at 12 pm ET on Monday, March 9. Free agents can officially begin signing with new teams at 4 pm ET on March 11.
Every team must be below the salary cap by 4 pm ET Wednesday.
Murphy Entering Fourth Season With Vikings
The cornerback began his career as a second-round pick for the Arizona Cardinals. But Arizona didn’t keep Murphy beyond his rookie contract.
During his final season with the Cardinals, Murphy missed the final seven games because of a back injury.
The 28-year-old has found a home in Minnesota. In 48 contests, he has posted 209 combined tackles, including 13 tackles for loss. Murphy also has 34 pass defenses, 11 interceptions and two forced fumbles. He’s recovered two fumbles as well.
He has started every game he’s played in Minnesota.
Murphy won’t become a free agent until 2028, but there is a potential out in his contract next offseason.
Vikings Make $11 Million Move With Pro Bowl CB Amid Salary Cap Crunch: Report