Cardinals lose CB Byron Murphy Jr. to the Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings are reportedly signing Cardinals’ CB Byron Murphy Jr., per NFL insider Adam Schefter.

Sources: The #Vikings are working to finalize a deal for #AZCardinals CB Byron Murphy. A big-time defender lands in Minnesota.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2023

Murphy was drafted by the Cardinals in the 2nd round of the 2019 draft, and he has played all four seasons of his young career in Arizona.

Last season, the 25-year-old valley native played in only nine games due to injuries. However, when healthy, Murphy recorded 36 total tackles, 3 tackles for a loss, and 4 pass deflections.

The Vikings had just lost CB Patrick Peterson (who also played for the Cardinals), leaving an open position for Murphy to fit right in.

The deal is worth $22 million and will keep Murphy in Minnesota for the next two seasons.

Losing Murphy is a massive blow for the Cardinals’ secondary, which was already near the bottom of the league last year.