The Minnesota Vikings announced on Friday that they have fired general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, just eight months after signing him to a multi-year contract extension. Co-owners Mark and Zygi Wilf released a statement explaining that the decision came after the team’s annual end-of-season organizational meetings and careful consideration of the football operations department. The Wilfs emphasized that this decision was made in the best interest of the team, expressed gratitude for Adofo-Mensah’s contributions over the past four years, and wished him and his family well in the future.
Brzezinski to Lead Vikings Temporarily While Team Searches for New General Manager
In the interim, Executive Vice President of Football Operations Rob Brzezinski will oversee the Vikings’ front-office operations through the 2026 NFL Draft. After the draft, the team will begin a search for a new general manager. The Wilfs praised Brzezinski for his extensive experience, credibility, roster knowledge, and ability to build consensus within the organization. They highlighted that the team’s goal remains focused on building a roster capable of contending for championships and delivering the success their fans expect.
Kwesi Adofo Mensah (NFL)The firing came as a surprise to many around the NFL. Adofo-Mensah had received a contract extension in May following Minnesota’s impressive 14-3 campaign in 2024, yet the Vikings regressed to a 9-8 record in 2025 and missed the playoffs. Central to the controversy was the team’s decision not to re-sign quarterback Sam Darnold, instead turning to 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy.
McCarthy had missed his rookie season due to a knee injury and struggled when healthy, completing 57.6% of his passes for 1,632 yards with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions across ten games. Meanwhile, Darnold has led the Seattle Seahawks to Super Bowl LX, intensifying criticism of Minnesota’s quarterback decision.
Vikings Face Roster and Cap Challenges After Mixed Draft Results Under Adofo-Mensah
During Adofo-Mensah’s four-year tenure, the Vikings compiled a 43-25 record and made two playoff appearances. While he received credit for building the 2024 roster, concerns over his draft decisions and salary cap management contributed to his dismissal.
His first five-round draft picks, Lewis Cine, Jordan Addison, McCarthy, Dallas Turner, and Donovan Jackson, yielded mixed results. Cine was cut after two seasons, Jackson struggled on the offensive line, Addison has faced injuries and off-field issues, and only Turner emerged as a consistent contributor. Trading up to select McCarthy and committing to his development created a mismatch between the team’s offense and its elite defense, resulting in a 9-8 season.
The Vikings now enter 2026 with significant salary cap challenges, nearly $49 million over the limit according to Over the Cap. The incoming general manager will face the difficult task of restructuring the roster, addressing financial constraints, and improving the team’s performance while competing in the highly competitive NFC North alongside the Bears, Lions, and Packers.
Minnesota’s decision to part ways with Adofo-Mensah signals a renewed focus on immediate competitiveness, long-term roster management, and strategic planning. The team will rely on Brzezinski’s experience to maintain stability through the draft, with the expectation that new leadership will guide the Vikings back to playoff contention in the coming seasons.
