Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports the incoming GM is expected to be a complete 180 from Adofo-Mensah, with a goal of hiring an older, more experienced executive who relies on a traditional scouting background and strong personnel-building instincts.
Adofo-Mensah’s path to Minnesota included time with the San Francisco 49ers as manager of research and development and a stint as the Browns’ president of football operations before joining the Vikings. He secured a multi-year contract extension in 2025, but the team ultimately opted for a leadership change just a year later.
His tenure in Minnesota has been defined by quarterback decisions, including letting Sam Darnold walk in free agency and drafting JJ McCarthy, a pick that has struggled while Darnold’s status has been linked to a potential Super Bowl pursuit.
With the QB situation needing clarity, the Vikings will seek a front-office leader prepared to reshape roster-building and quarterback planning under a traditional, experienced framework.
The search is expected to unfold after the draft, and Adofo-Mensah will look to land with another NFL organization, while Minnesota moves to appoint a GM who aligns with the “old-school” approach now being described.
