There’s a New Development In Cam Bynum’s Free Agent Journey
It’s another offseason with some crucial free-agency decisions for the Minnesota Vikings. Quarterback Sam Darnold will be the first major domino to fall one way or another, but general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah also has to deal with 2024 starters and approaching free agents Aaron Jones, Byron Murphy, Cam Bynum, and Stephon Gilmore.
There’s a New Development In Cam Bynum’s Free Agent Journey
All of those guys were essential contributors to Minnesota’s 14-3 season. Running back Jones and cornerback Gilmore could continue to be one-year patchwork solutions at their respective positions, but their age undoubtedly limits their long-term prospects.
Bynum and Murphy, meanwhile, still have three seasons before turning 30, so a new deal doesn’t involve the risk of encountering an age-related decline. Pro Bowler Murphy has signaled his intention to extend his stay in the Twin Cities, but Bynum’s future is more clouded.
But there’s a twist. On Wednesday, ESPN revealed its top 50 free agents of the upcoming class. Bynum was unsurprisingly included at the 29th spot.
In that article, Matt Bowen wrote about him: “He’s a glider over the top who can also fill alleys against the run. Bynum saw his value rise in Brian Flores’ defensive system in Minnesota. Over the past two seasons, he has 233 tackles, 5 interceptions and 12 pass breakups. He’s an interchangeable safety who can produce in multiple systems.”
Much more fascinating than his career summary is the little nugget ESPN’s insider Jeremy Fowler dropped. “The Vikings and Bynum have had discussions about an extension. While nothing has materialized, both sides are open to it, and this could get done before mid-March.”
For the first time, continued employment between the Vikings and Bynum has been reported as a realistic option.
Just four weeks ago, KSTP’s Darren Wolfson appeared on SKOR North’s Mackey and Judd Show, and his intel sounded a lot more like a divorce was coming.
“Of all their premier free agents, the one that continues for me, like it’s hard to see him back, is Cam Bynum,” Wolfson said. “Now, hey, there were some talks before training camp, so clearly mutual interest. But I just think Cam is good enough to get paid enough. I don’t have enough proof that this front office is willing to invest heavy money in the safety position.”
Bynum joined the club in the fourth round of the 2021 draft, Rick Spielman’s last in charge of the team. After one year of backup duties, he entered the starting lineup in 2022 but had not developed into an excellent defensive back before Brian Flores tweaked the defense in 2023.
He fought off first-rounder Lewis Cine in 2022 and beyond and has been a staple in Minnesota’s secondary ever since. Besides Wolfson’s comments, there was also a viral video of Bynum leaving U.S. Bank Stadium after the final home game of the season, and it surely looked like a goodbye.
At the of the day, it remains to be seen whether the Vikings are willing to meet his demands. PFF has predicted a three-year contract worth $14.25 million per season, which is a costly deal for a safety. Granted, he has developed into a borderline Pro Bowl player and deserves a raise.
In four seasons with the club, Bynum has played in 65 regular season games (54 starts), recording eight interceptions and 342 tackles. He has not missed a contest since entering the starting lineup in 2022.
The defender has been one of the most reliable players on the roster for years. His future will be decided within the next six weeks. If Fowler is right, a contract could be signed before the free agent window opens on March 12.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.
Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt