If the Minnesota Vikings allow veteran cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. to complete the final year of his contract this season, San Francisco 49ers All-Pro Charvarius Ward might be a potential free agency target.
Bleacher Report’s scouting department suggested Ward as a potential replacement for Murphy if the Vikings decide not to re-sign him. Murphy joined the Vikings in 2023 on a two-year, $17.5 million deal that expires after this season.
This season is crucial for Murphy, initially signed to be the team’s slot cornerback but moved outside due to depth issues. Brian Flores mentioned he hopes to play Murphy more in the slot this year, noting Murphy played outside because “that’s where we needed him.”
Murphy, 26, led the team with three interceptions last year but struggled in coverage, allowing a 102.0 passer rating when targeted, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF).
Ward doesn’t have the same positional versatility but is undeniably talented. He could be a more valuable asset to the Vikings’ secondary, which saw safeties Camryn Bynum and Josh Metellus play more snaps in the slot than Murphy last year.
49ers’ Charvarius Ward’s Pro Bowl, All-Pro Honors in 2024
Last season was a breakout year for Ward, 28, who has steadily risen in the NFL since going undrafted in 2018. Garnering Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors, Ward earned an 84.7 overall defensive grade from PFF and posted the fourth-highest coverage grade (86.5) among cornerbacks. He also ranked seventh in tackles (71) with an 8.0% missed tackle rate.
“The 49ers could rely on Ward in coverage in 2023. Forcing 21 incompletions and hauling in five interceptions, he was also one of the best tacklers in coverage, with 20 pass stops. Ward set a career low in passer rating allowed (59.2), as opposing quarterbacks were better off looking elsewhere when attacking the 49ers’ secondary,” PFF’s John Kosko wrote.
While Ward is considered one of the best press corners, he also played 68.4% of his snaps in zone coverage.
A player of Ward’s caliber would typically not reach free agency, but with the 49ers projected to be $38 million over the 2025 salary cap, they’ll have to part with several talented players, especially with Brock Purdy due for an extension.
Vikings, CB Khyree Jackson Deemed a Top-5 Rookie Fit
The Vikings had an aggressive 2024 draft, which is already receiving positive attention.
CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso ranked the 10 best “rookie-team fits,” and fourth-round rookie Khyree Jackson was named the No. 5 best fit due to his talent and what Flores’ scheme demands of its cornerbacks.
From Trapasso:
“Jackson gave me Xavien Howard vibes on film. Long, athletic, ultra-physical, at times tremendously suffocating at the line and at the catch point, and other times lost in coverage.
But you know who got the most out of Howard in the NFL? Vikings current [Defensive Coordinator] Brian Flores. In 2020, under Flores’ tutelage, Howard led the NFL with 10 interceptions. Now, Flores wasn’t necessarily integral in the development of Howard, who was a 2016 draft pick. But he certainly understood how to maximize his special yet imperfect skill set.
And now Flores gets another intimidating boundary cornerback with otherworldly length and an up-and-down style the Vikings are likely hoping can be smoothed out to more consistent play. The former Alabama defender had three picks and seven pass breakups at Oregon in 2023. It’ll be fascinating to monitor how Flores works with another Howard-like specimen in his secondary.”
