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Minnesota obviously had a need after declining the 2017 option on Adrian Peterson’s contract, making the longtime running back an unrestricted free agent and opening up a position in their backfield.

“It was an experience,” Murray said of free agency in an interview with the Vikings’ website. ”Obviously it being my first time, I didn’t really know what to expect but just glad I get the chance to play the game again with a great team with great history here in Minnesota.”

Murray played three seasons with the Raiders after he was drafted in the sixth round out of Central Florida in 2013. The 6-3, 230-pound back has 543 rushes for 2,278 yards (4.2 average) and 20 touchdowns as well as 91 receptions for 639 yards in his career.

Murray missed the 2013 season after suffering a foot injury in training camp, but he played in all but three games for the Raiders from 2014-16.

Murray blossomed when he became the Raiders No. 1 back in 2015 when he had 266 carries for 1,066 yards and six scores and made his first Pro Bowl. He rushed 12 times for 48 yards and added five receptions for 29 yards against Minnesota that season.

But as Bleacher Report notes, the Raiders have DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard waiting in the wings, and Murray averaged just four yards per carry in 2016 despite running behind one of the best offensive lines in football. It became obvious that, while Murray became an important part of Oakland's offense, he wasn't a vital pillar for the team to build around.

The Vikings hosted a visit to running back Eddie Lacy earlier in March, but the former Packers running back signed with the Seattle Seahawks on Tuesday.

The newest Minnesota Viking joins the running back ranks of Jerick McKinnon, C.J. Ham and Bishop Sankey and will likely be the starter once training camp begins.

From a fantasy perspective, Murray has the desired size and speed. He also runs with power and brings more to the field as a receiver than Peterson did. And while the opportunity is there, he still has much to prove as an NFL feature back.

The signing would seem to close the door on Peterson returning to the Vikings. Of course, the Raiders have an opening, so stay tuned.