Was Extending the Vikings GM the Right Move?
The Minnesota Vikings have agreed to a multi-year extension with their general manager, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. This agreement comes about five months after signing head coach Kevin O’Connell to a brand new deal. The two would both sign four-year contracts when they first joined the Vikings in 2022. While the length of Mensah’s new contract has not yet been fully announced, it is expected to be close to O’Connell’s new five-year deal. With the Vikings ensuring their general manager will be sticking around with his head coach, is it the right move for Minnesota
Since Mensah and O’Connell were both hired, the Vikings have seen impressive results. The team would have the NFL’s sixth-best regular-season winning percentage since 2022. This would also give the Vikings two playoff appearances during this time period, alongside winning the NFC North in 2022. They have had seven players named to the Pro Bowl under the Mensah era, including players like wide receiver Justin Jefferson and corner Byron Murphy. Minnesota has no doubt had its success since Mensah took the helm, however, it hasn’t been all positive and easy for Vikings fans to rave about.
While Minnesota has been able to make it to the playoffs twice under this management, the team would be eliminated in the first round both times. Mensah has also had a bit of trouble when it comes to his NFL Draft success. The Vikings have had only 107 starts from players they have drafted since Mensah joined the team. This is the NFL’s second-lowest total over this period of time. Being able to build a team through the draft is a huge part of being a general manager in the NFL. Luckily for Mensah, he has been able to make up for this through free agency. In 2024, Mensah would sign three Pro Bowlers in quarterback Sam Darnold, and linebackers Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel. While his success in the draft hasn’t been quite ideal, the GM has proven he has the ability to build a high-level team through other avenues. Mensah and the Vikings will look for a successful 2025 season in one of the hardest divisions in the NFL.
