NFL Rumors: CB Byron Murphy Could Land Massive Payday

If the Arizona Cardinals want to hold onto their young cornerback Byron Murphy, they may have to pay up. According to the NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the former 33rd overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft could land a deal that could pay him as much as $16 million per year.

.@TomPelissero: Three right tackles among seven less-heralded players who could be in line for BIG second contractshttps://t.co/2r66buMSH9 pic.twitter.com/p2tR6TDv1w
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) March 9, 2023

Murphy is a relatively unheralded player in the league, but his draft stature, skillset, and youth could make him a coveted player in free agency. He's coming off a down year in which he missed eight games, failed to nab an interception, and allowed a 103.1 passer rating on throws in his direction, but he snatched four picks and broke up 12 passes in a solid 2021 season.

$16+ million per year would place Murphy in the top 10 for highest-paid cornerbacks in the league and would be the richest cornerback contract handed out to an unrestricted free agent since J.C. Jackson's five-year, $82.5 million deal with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2022. Jackson was a Pro Bowler, A Super Bowl champion, and had 25 interceptions to his name. Murphy doesn't have nearly that kind of resume, but it's possible teams simply love what they've seen.