The Minnesota Vikings have been excellent on defense over the first month of the season, ranking at or near the top of the NFL in every major statistical category.
According to one NFL insider, a soon-to-be unrestricted free agent for that unit is poised for a lucrative contract extension in the near future.
Safety Camryn Bynum, who led the Vikings with a career-high 137 tackles in 2023, was mentioned by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler Wednesday in a discussion regarding top NFL storylines entering Week 6.
Here’s what Fowler had to say about Bynum’s current situation in Minnesota:
Minnesota and Bynum discussed an extension in recent months but couldn't reach an agreement. As of now, he is set to enter free agency. He's thriving in Brian Flores' defense, with two interceptions, five pass deflections and a fumble recovery. Making splash plays in a contract year is a way to nudge the team back to the negotiation table with a stronger offense. That could be the case here. Bynum also fortifies a clear position of need in the future. Harrison Smith is turning 36 in February. The Vikings released 2022 first-rounder Lewis Cine in August. Bynum has leverage and could wait until March to exercise it.
For reference, the Vikings initially signed veteran safety Harrison Smith to a four-year extension worth $64 million in 2021. With salary caps on the rise, they should expect Bynum’s camp to command north of $15 million per season, perhaps in the neighborhood of Xavier McKinney’s recent four-year, $68 million deal with the Green Bay Packers this past offseason.
Bynum was a fourth-round pick of the Vikings in the 2021 NFL Draft. He played cornerback in college for the California Golden Bears, but has steadily improved since transitioning to safety in the pros. The 26-year-old has already matched his interception total from last year. In 2023, he was credited with six pass breakups and earned a 69.7 coverage grade, per PFF.
As stated, the two sides discussed an extension this offseason but couldn’t get a deal done. Given Minnesota’s history of drafting, developing and ultimately signing homegrown talent, it seems likely Bynum’s new deal comes sooner rather than later.
But the clock is ticking, and the price tag will only go up as Bynum continues to show out on the field.
More Minnesota Vikings news:
Vikings Week 6 snap counts: Rookie Dallas Turner's small role continues vs. Jets
NFL power rankings Week 6: Experts grapple with surging Vikings at No. 1
Vikings poach one of Brian Flores’ favorite draft prospects from Miami in proposed move
