General Manager Locked In for the Future
After some delay, the Minnesota Vikings have finalized a multiyear contract extension with general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. The agreement was reported by NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero on Friday. The team later confirmed the deal, which was finalized on Thursday night.
“Kwesi’s leadership, vision and collaboration with our coaching staff has positioned the Minnesota Vikings for sustained success,” said Vikings owner Mark Wilf in a statement.
“His dedication and forward-thinking approach have been instrumental in shaping our roster and future, and we are confident that under the guidance of him and Kevin O’Connell, we will continue to compete at the highest level as we pursue a championship for Vikings fans.”
Internal Promotions Within the Front Office
In addition to Adofo-Mensah’s extension, the Vikings are elevating Ryan Grigson and Demitrius Washington to assistant general manager positions. According to Pelissero, both have been key figures on Adofo-Mensah’s staff since his arrival in Minnesota.
A Coordinated Leadership Strategy
Head coach Kevin O’Connell signed an extension on January 21. At the time, Rapoport and Pelissero reported that discussions were ongoing with Adofo-Mensah. Four months later, both leadership roles are secured, creating a unified front office and coaching staff.
The partnership between the 43-year-old Adofo-Mensah (KAM) and 40-year-old O’Connell (KOC) began when both joined the organization in 2022.
Team Performance and Career Background
Since their arrival, the Vikings have compiled a 34-17 record and made two playoff appearances. Adofo-Mensah began his NFL tenure with the San Francisco 49ers in 2013 in football research and development. He later became vice president of football operations for the Cleveland Browns from 2020 to 2021 before joining Minnesota.
Active Offseason Strategy
With his extension complete, Adofo-Mensah now shifts focus to refining the team’s 90-man roster. He has already navigated a busy free agency period and an active draft.
Notable moves include re-signing running back Aaron Jones, trading for Jordan Mason, and bringing back cornerback Byron Murphy. He also convinced veteran safety Harrison Smith to stay. The team strengthened both lines with offensive linemen Will Fries and Ryan Kelly and defensive linemen Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave.
2025 Draft Class and Trades
Minnesota’s draft was led by first-round guard Donovan Jackson and third-round wide receiver Tai Felton. Adofo-Mensah also made the only draft-weekend trade involving an active NFL player, acquiring quarterback Sam Howell from the Seattle Seahawks to support 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy.
Quarterback Transition
The Vikings’ most notable offseason departure was quarterback Sam Darnold, who signed with the Seahawks in March. Darnold had a strong run in Minnesota until the final two games, including a wild-card playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams. With his exit, the focus shifts to McCarthy, who is recovering from knee surgery after a preseason meniscus tear.
Draft Challenges and Evaluation
While the current draft class’s impact remains to be seen, Adofo-Mensah’s previous drafts have drawn scrutiny. His 2022 top picks, first-rounder Lewis Cine and second-rounder Andrew Booth, are no longer with the team.
In 2024, Minnesota had two first-round selections. Unfortunately, McCarthy suffered a major injury, and Dallas Turner failed to start a game, receiving a 55.2 pass rush grade from Pro Football Focus. On a more positive note, 2023 first-round pick Jordan Addison has been a success.
Despite some missteps, the Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell duo has delivered a largely successful run in Minnesota. With their extensions now in place, the organization looks ahead to achieving even greater results.
