Former college scout Terrance Gray emerges as a top candidate, potentially returning to Minnesota to build around a franchise quarterback and reshape the team's salary cap future.
The Minnesota Vikings' general manager search is well underway as they look to turn the page on the Kwesi Adofo-Mensah era. And if it seems like the search is generating more buzz than your average general manager search, it is.
Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer wrote about a potential candidate for general manager vacancies awhile back, but now that candidate could be a top choice for Minnesota.
Former Vikings college scout Terrance Gray is being linked by some to the team's recent GM opening. Here's what Breer had to say about the potential addition of Gray to Minnesota a couple of months ago.
“Gray’s on the doorstep, having interviewed for the Raiders, Chargers, Jaguars and Titans jobs over the last two cycles. He made it to the final round in Tennessee last year. Gray rose on the college scouting side in Minnesota, working under Rick Spielman and Broncos GM George Paton there, before Brandon Beane brought him to Buffalo to be college scouting director in 2017.
Gray is one of Beane’s top guys, earning a seat in the room for every big decision, from draft picks, to free-agent signings, to extensions, roster machinations and everything in between. He’s also had a direct line to ownership, working with the (Bills owners), which should be valuable experience whenever he gets his shot.”
Green Bay Packers safety Evan Williams (33) and Green Bay Packers linebacker Isaiah McDuffie (58) tackle Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) in the game at Lambeau Field. Wm. Glasheen-USA TODAY Network via Imagn ImagesWhoever the Vikings decide to hire will have a pivotal first season with the team. It's a groundbreaking season as the team could have a real shot to build around a franchise quarterback for the first time in several years.
Obviously, there is so little we know in regard to what someone brings as a scout or general manager compared to what we can judge in on field results for players. So, while some will feel compelled to give an immediate pass/fail grade on the next general manager hire, it is impossible for most to know what the next candidate will bring to the team. That said, if the Vikings were to make the addition of Gray to the staff, they would know more than us about what he brings.
The new hire could, perhaps should, come with a different background and team building philosophy that Minnesota can sustain for several seasons. The Vikings need someone to build the best team possible without hurting the team's future with salary cap decisions. We will see if Minnesota believes Gray to be that guy for next year.