The Vikings draft without a GM, then fire their own. A new leader faces a challenging rebuild with Kyler Murray and a potent offense.
The Minnesota Vikings concluded the 2026 NFL draft process last weekend. They did so without a general manager.
The decision to draft without a general manager was bold but necessitated by the move that they needed to make. The decision was to fire general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.
While the former general manager did some good moves, ultimately, he failed to live up to expectations over his four seasons in Minnesota. In addition, he left the team's salary cap in disarray with a worse quarterback room than when he took over the roster.
The Vikings updated their general manager plans in a recent statement. Here's what they had to say about how they will handle the search and hiring process over the next few weeks.
“With the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft, our search for the next general manager of the Minnesota Vikings is underway. This will be a thorough and deliberate process led by ownership, with support from a small internal advisory committee of senior leaders. We have also engaged respected firm TurnkeyZRG to assist in conducting a wide-ranging search that includes experienced football executives, emerging candidates and individuals with diverse professional backgrounds. Our focus is to identify a decisive leader with a clear vision for team building, strong communication skills and the ability to build alignment across an organization. Out of respect for all involved, we do not intend to publicly announce candidates and will provide further comment when the search is complete."
Green Bay Packers Trevon Diggs (28) puts a hit on Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason (27) during their game Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Dan Powers / USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesDrafting without a general manager was disadvantageous no matter how necessary. The next general manager will start his tenure with a draft class that was drafted without one. And while some may disagree with Adofo-Mensah's past decisions, one assumes the draft could have gone better with a true general manager than by committee.
The Vikings still have the makings of a contender heading into 2026. The addition of star quarterback Kyler Murray makes the team a real threat to win the NFC North. Add in what the team already had in Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson as pass catchers and Minnesota could have a legitimately potent offense again next season.
It will be worth monitoring what direction the team goes with its search. Some are unsure what type of general manager the Vikings will look to add. Nevertheless, they are set up for a strong run over the next couple seasons if this year goes well.