Kwesi Adofo-Mensah Fired as Vikings GM, Who Are the Top Candidates for Job?

In a surprising move, especially given the timing of it, the Minnesota Vikings have fired general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero first reported the news. Adam Schefter of ESPN reported there was talk of underlying "tension" throughout the season in Minnesota, with one source describing the situation as "ugly."

Schefter added that Rob Brzezinski, who has been with the Vikings since 1999, will "run the team's front office through the draft."

Per The Athletic's Dianna Russini and Alec Lewis, the Vikings' struggles in the NFL draft during Adofo-Mensah's tenure "played a large role" in their decision.

The report also cited several moves in free agency last offseason that didn't pan out and contributed to their disappointing 9-8 record in 2025.

Among those decisions was opting to let Sam Darnold walk in free agency after he played very well for the Vikings in 2024; failing to add a quality No. 2 quarterback if J.J. McCarthy struggled or got injured; and using significant cap space to add over-30-year-old veterans like Javon Hargrave, Jonathan Allen and Ryan Kelly.

It was also noted there were "differences of opinion on free agency and trade acquisitions" last offseason within the organization.

There is no indication at this point who the Vikings might specifically target as their new general manager.

In a list of potential GM candidates for this hiring cycle compiled by The Athletic's Jourdan Rodrigue at the end of the regular season, some of the names that stand out include Alec Halaby of the Philadelphia Eagles, Matt Berry and Nolan Teasley of the Seattle Seahawks, and Ray Agnew of the Detroit Lions.

The Vikings also have potential in-house candidates like Ryan Grigson and Demitrius Washington.

Grigson previously spent five years as general manager of the Indianapolis Colts from 2012 to '16. He has been with the Vikings since June 2022 and was promoted to assistant GM in May 2025.

Washington was also an assistant general manager under Adofo-Mensah this past season. He originally joined the organization prior to the 2022 season as vice president of football operations.

Adofo-Mensah just wrapped up his fourth season as Minnesota's general manager. He began his NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers in 2013 as their manager of football research and development before spending two years with the Cleveland Browns from 2020 to '21.

During the four seasons with Adofo-Mensah leading the front office, the Vikings' 43-25 record was tied the 49ers and Baltimore Ravens for the fifth-best record in the NFL.

The Vikings made the playoffs twice in that period, but lost in the wild card round both teams.