Vikings HC consulted Super Bowl MVP before signing Byron Murphy
The Minnesota Vikings’ biggest splash in the free agency pool came in the form of cornerback Byron Murphy. There is no question that Murphy is highly respected in league circles. With that being said, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell consulted with a trusted resource, who doubles as one of the best players in football, before […]
The Minnesota Vikings’ biggest splash in the free agency pool came in the form of cornerback Byron Murphy. There is no question that Murphy is highly respected in league circles. With that being said, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell consulted with a trusted resource, who doubles as one of the best players in football, before making the move.
O’Connell’s offensive background is well documented. Hailing from the Sean McVay coaching tree, O’Connell spent two seasons (2020-2021) as the Los Angeles Rams’ offensive coordinator.
O'Connell formed a connection with superstar wide receiver Cooper Kupp in Los Angeles. Murphy has spent some time lined up across from Kupp as the two would do battle twice each season in the NFC West.
So if anybody knows what Murphy brings to the table as a cover corner, it’s going to be Kupp. Though O’Connell and Kupp no longer work together, he made sure to reach out to his old friend for his thoughts on Murphy.
“Byron Murphy, obviously from my experience in the NFC West and a lot of conversations with a guy like Cooper Kupp, this guy's tough,” O’Connell said at Thursday’s pre-draft press conference. “This guy's a really good football player. Smart, instinctive, does a lot of things both inside and out that can be versatile. So really excited about Byron.”
Kupp and Justin Jefferson the toughest covers in today’s NFL. So, for Kupp to speak highly of Murphy’s abilities, it clearly registered for O’Connell.
Murphy will be counted on to lead a young Vikings cornerback room in 2023. He has Pro Bowl potential on the outside, but can move all over the field if DC Brian Flores ever asks him to shadow a top wideout.
Not only should Vikings fans be excited about Murphy’s arrival, but if Kupp is making a push to get a top cornerback out of his division, that player is probably going to wreak havoc on opposing offense. That’s what O’Connell and the Vikings hope to get out of their new defensive stud.
