As the Minnesota Vikings prepare to kick off their 2024 regular season, one of the major storylines revolves around the defense, which is undergoing significant changes under defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Only four starters from 2023—Harrison Smith, Byron Murphy Jr., Cam Bynum, and Harrison Phillips—are returning, leaving many questions about the revamped unit’s ability to perform.
One of the most pressing issues involves Cam Bynum, who is currently in negotiations for a contract extension with general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. Bynum, a key player in the secondary, is reportedly playing hardball as the two sides work to finalize an agreement before Sunday’s season opener.
Adding to the team’s financial maneuvering, tight end TJ Hockenson restructured his contract yesterday, providing the Vikings with some much-needed salary cap relief. This move could help the team navigate their current roster challenges and potentially free up space for Bynum’s extension or other defensive reinforcements. With only 24 hours until the Vikings’ first game, these negotiations and defensive adjustments will be crucial for setting the tone of the season.
As the Minnesota Vikings prepare for their season opener, contract negotiations remain a key focus, especially with the front office working to solidify their long-term future. While Cam Bynum‘s contract extension talks have garnered attention, another player who may be in line for a deal before Sunday’s game is Harrison Phillips, the Vikings’ interior defensive lineman. According to Darren “Doogie” Wolfson from KSTP and SKOR North, Phillips is a “sneaky name to watch” for a potential extension.
Phillips, 28, is entering the final year of his contract and has become one of the team’s most reliable defensive assets. After a standout 2023 season, where he recorded career highs in both sacks (3) and tackles (92), Phillips has proven to be an integral part of the Vikings’ defensive line. Extending him now makes sense for the organization both in terms of salary cap management and securing a cornerstone player for the future.
With Brian Flores overhauling the defense and only a few returning starters, locking in a key contributor like Phillips could bring stability to a unit in transition. Given the team’s admiration for him and his production last season, finalizing an extension before kickoff in Week 1 would be a smart move for both parties.
