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Now that the biggest remaining puzzle piece has fallen into place by naming Kyler Murray the starting quarterback, what’s next for the Minnesota Vikings? Many would argue that the current roster still has one fairly sizable hole to address. There are also a couple of other roster moves that could help improve the overall outlook of the team this year, and for seasons to come. Now that Murray has been named the starter, here are four moves the Vikings should make next. Related: Kyler Murray’s Former Coaches, Scouts, Execs Predict ‘Crazy Year’ with Minnesota Vikings Extend Andrew Van Ginkel, Isaiah Rodgers, and Jordan Mason It’s always easiest to close a deal with someone who’s already said once before. While Vikings general manager Nolan Teasley has never negotiated with Andrew Van Ginkel, Isaiah Rodgers, or Jordan Mason before, the Vikings’ EVP of football operations, Rob Brzezinski, has. The above trio is all entering contract years, but it’s fair to say the Vikings would be better off keeping all three. While Dallas Turner may quickly emerge as the Vikings’ best pass-rusher, they don’t exactly have a ready-made replacement for Van Ginkel. Jake Golday is developing in that role, but he’s still a rookie. Getting the 31-year-old Van Ginkel under contract for even another year or two may be a wise move considering how much of a key role he plays in Brian Flores’s defense, dropping into coverage or getting after quarterbacks. It would also buy time for the Vikings to figure out whether Golday is best along the edge or covering backs and tight ends in the middle. Right now, Vikings fans are a bit nervous about not having enough edge rusher depth behind Turner and Van Ginkel, so imagine how things could look next offseason when AVG hits the open market too. That’s a situation the front office may want to avoid. Meanwhile, the same could be said at cornerback. James Pierre was added to be a short-term stopgap nickelback. But the Vikings don’t really have a future starting cornerback in development. Charles Demmings may disagree. Yet, even if Demmings does emerge as a consistent playmaker, it wouldn’t hurt to have three cornerbacks they really like locked in for the future. Isaiah Rodgers enjoyed a breakout season playing under Flores last year, and the 28-year-old may be primed for even more success in 2026. As for Jordan Mason, he’s been generating rave reviews in training camp for losing weight and being in the best shape of his life. Coming off a strong season, the Vikings are now building a running game that better suits Mason’s skill set. Aaron Jones and Mason are both entering a contract year, but the former will be 32 in December. He may not stick around for yet another year in 2027. Whereas Mason may be in for his best year yet and is still just 27 years old. Paying him now, before a breakout year, may be wise. Re-Sign Harrison Smith He’s 37, but it’s hard to imagine that Harrison Smith hasn’t been getting the itch to play football again now that training camp is in full swing. Plus, he may be intrigued with the team the Vikings have built. He himself has played against Murray before, and understands how difficult it can be to gameplan for him. But he’s never been on the same side as the mobile threat, especially with coach O’Connell empowering him too. Right now, Smith is a fringe Hall of Famer. But playing another season, adding to his turnover total while possibly adding to his playoff win total, would undoubtedly help strengthen his case. Likely not looking to break the bank, the Vikings should make a personalized recruiting pitch to Smith, and hope he’s too emotionally moved to say no. Related: 5 NFL Players Who Could Come Out of Retirement in 2026 Sign Leonard Floyd Set to turn 34 in September, Leonard Floyd’s production dipped a bit, recording just 3.5 sacks in 2025, which may explain why he’s still available. Yet, with the Vikings still trying to establish their pass-rush hierarchy behind Van Ginkel and Turner, adding a capable veteran like Floyd could be a valued addition. Floyd recorded 8.5 sacks with the 49ers in 2024, so he may have simply had a down season. He’s a gamble worth taking a chance on for a team that has eyes on the postseason. At the very least, the former No. 9 overall pick would boost the competition in training camp and ideally show the youngsters a few tricks he’s learned while recording 70 sacks and winning a Super Bowl in his 10-year career. Related: Minnesota Vikings Insider Hints At Adding Veteran Edge-Rusher: 8 Potential Fits Trade J.J. McCarthy At this point, the Vikings don’t really have anything to lose by keeping McCarthy on the roster and hoping he develops into a better quarterback in the next two years while he’s still under contract. They’ll still need a backup for the next two years. While Carson Wentz‘s presence offers a veteran alternative for 2026, the Vikings may not need to make backup plans in 2027, banking on the 23-year-old to continue improving. Yet, if the Vikings wanted to keep all the quarterbacks they have, Murray, Wentz, and 2025 undrafted free agent signee Max Brosmer, then they may look to find a trade partner for McCarthy. Unfortunately, they probably won’t get anything more than a Day 3 selection for him, but that’s still better than nothing. Trading him would also help prevent early calls for Murray to be benched at the first sign of struggle. Not to mention, they’d be ‘doing right’ by McCarthy by giving him a fresh start and possibly a potential opportunity to snatch a starting role elsewhere. Though, who’s to say that opportunity might not come back around in Minnesota? Related: 1 Bold Prediction for Each Game on NFL Week 1 Preseason Schedule Tap Here To Add Sportsnaut As A Trusted Source on Google