2012 NFL Free Agency: What Marques Colston Re-Signing Means for the Vikings

News broke early this afternoon that the New Orleans Saints and star WR Marques Colston have reached an agreement on a five-year, $40 million contract. What does this mean for the Vikings and their quest for a No. 1 WR?

First, it means that there is one fewer elite WR in the free-agency ranks, which will make the bidding for the other unrestricted star free agent, WR Vincent Jackson, go even higher. Jackson is currently seeking an average salary of over $10 million, more than the $8 million Colston will receive.

Secondly, the signing of Colston means that finding enough cap space to sign G Carl Nicks is now virtually impossible for New Orleans. Vikings fans would love to see the big man take over for Steve Hutchinson and help solidify the line along with LT Matt Kalil.

Third, whether or not the Vikings had interest in Colston, they now must shift their attention to other free agent WRs. The name being throw out most often now is former Colts WR Pierre Garcon. Garcon reportedly turned down a five-year contract offer from the Colts last month.

Former Saints WR Robert Meachem is also virtually guaranteed to hit the free-agent market this afternoon as well.

The Vikings will undoubtedly have a battle on their hands for any free agent WR they pursue, and their prospects of landing one of them has certainly taken a hit with the franchising of both Dwayne Bowe and DeSean Jackson, as well as the re-signings of Colston and Stevie Johnson.

Colston's return to the Saints will most certainly make things more difficult for Vikings GM Rick Spielman as he tries to build this roster into a winner.