The Colts made a significant free agency splash on Day 1 for the first time in longtime GM Chris Ballard’s tenure!
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Indianapolis Colts have signed Minnesota Vikings free agent safety Camryn Bynum to a 4-year, $60 million contract.
Originally a 2021 4th round pick of the Vikings out of Cal, the 6’0,” 200 pound safety (with 31 3/4” arms) is coming off a 2024 season for Minnesota in which he recorded 96 tackles (54 solo), 2 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions, 10 passes defensed, and 2 fumble recoveries during all 17 starts.
He was PFF’s 63rd best graded safety with a +61.6 overall grade this past season.
Bynum has been regarded as a high football IQ free safety, who can play deep coverage, with some leadership, durability, and ball skills, and should be a nice complement playing alongside projected starter Nick Cross—who’s a more natural strong safety.
He provides new Colts veteran defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo a much needed upgrade in the backend of the formerly depleted Indianapolis secondary and likely spells the end of free agent safety Julian Blackmon’s time with the Horseshoe.
Spotrac projected Bynum to land a 3-year, $52.3M contract with his next NFL team, with an average of $17.7M, but here, the 26-year-old safety was able to secure a 4th-year with Indianapolis where he’ll provide an immediate impact starter at safety.
This rare significant signing on ‘Day 1’ allows the Colts to pivot to other roster positions of need including tight end, right guard, cornerback, linebacker, running back, and pass rush through free agency and the upcoming NFL Draft.