Everyone knew it was going to happen, but it still made quite a bit of noise in the NFL as the Minnesota Vikings made it official and signed quarterback Kyler Murray to a one-year deal.
Murray enters a situation in which he will have to compete with third-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy for the starting job, a race that should dominate headlines until head coach Kevin O'Connell makes his decision in August or September. The Vikings are hoping that the quarterback situation is resolved after trying to find the right man since Kirk Cousins' departure.
With the excitement wearing off a bit, the Vikings are left with the next big question that might seem too simple on paper, but really isn't: what's next? What is the next move Minnesota makes after what could be a franchise-altering signing?
Minnesota Vikings have one move that must be made as soon as possible
One of the most underrated losses for the Vikings early on in free agency is seeing their number three receiver, Jalen Nailor, walk out the door and get the bag. Nailor certainly got paid when the Las Vegas Raiders signed him to a three-year, $35 million contract, with $23 million guaranteed, and added a $6 million signing bonus to sweeten the deal.
It came as no surprise to Vikings fans that Nailor signed elsewhere, as everyone knew he would get more money with another team, but getting nearly $12 million per year was not something anyone expected. That puts Minnesota in an interesting situation where they have to figure out what to do at wide receiver, either through free agency or through the draft.
Since the Vikings don't have much money to work with, they have to look cheaply as they look for a receiver to complement Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison well.
Everyone's first thought came straight to DeAndre Hopkins since some of his best seasons came when he played with Murray in Arizona. That move could make sense, as bumping Addison into the slot and having Hopkins on the outside could be interesting, but after having just 330 yards last year with the Baltimore Ravens, it's clear that Hopkins has lost a step in his game.
If the Vikings are looking for more of a slot receiver, Brandin Cooks could be efficient, as, despite being 32, he can still be reliable on third down to pick up the first down. Another interesting choice for Minnesota could be Christian Kirk, who also knows Murray well from their early days with the Cardinals.
There's a good chance, though, that the Vikings will wait until the NFL Draft to use a Day 2 or early Day 3 pick on a receiver they don't have to break the bank for, but can develop into a solid WR3. If they want a speedy, athletic receiver in the slot, this is the draft to get it done.
The next two months can really define this Vikings organization, with Murray officially in the picture. It will be crucial to make sure he has plenty of targets to throw to if they want to get back to the 2024 team that won 14 games.