Another Clue about Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s Future
Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah won’t be going anywhere.
Another Clue about Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s Future
Some fans have wondered this offseason why his extension didn’t get finalized along with head coach Kevin O’Connell’s in January, but at the moment, it’s just a matter of timing and patience.
Adofo-Mensah will be attached to the Vikings for the long haul — including next year’s draft.
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s Current Contract Doesn’t Expire until After 2026 Draft
Star Tribune‘s Ben Goessling provided new details on Adofo-Mensah’s current deal this week — it actually runs through next year’s draft. So, in theory, had Minnesota locked Adofo-Mensah down within the previous couple of months, it would’ve been two years early.
Goessling tweeted this week, “One note on Vikings general manager GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s contract: While coach contracts typically expire after the season, front office deals run through the NFL draft. So Adofo-Mensah’s deal doesn’t actually expire until after the 2026 draft. Still optimism about it getting done this offseason.”
“The duration of his contract gives the Vikings a little more time than they had with O’Connell’s deal. While coaches’ contracts generally expire after the season, GM deals run until after the draft, to provide front office stability through the busiest part of the offseason. According to a source with knowledge of the situation, Adofo-Mensah’s contract does not expire until after the 2026 NFL draft.”
Vikings fans who double as conspiracy theorists have insinuated that the team’s ownership “wants to see one more draft” from Adofo-Mensah, and perhaps that’s the contractual hold-up. The young executive is actually on deck for two more drafts, not one, so the theory doesn’t hold much weight — and never made much sense in the first place.
Vikings Owner Shoots Down Mystery
Owner Mark Wilf was asked this week at NFL league meetings if onlookers should be alarmed that Adofo-Mensah’s extension hasn’t been locked in. He succinctly replied, “I wouldn’t read anything into it.”
The situation resembles the 2024 offseason calendar when many wondered, “What’s taking so long?” with Justin Jefferson’s extension. That deal came to fruition about five weeks after the 2024 NFL Draft, and long-term contracts just take time. They don’t follow a linear timeline.
Wilf added, “I think each situation is unique to itself.”
More from Mark Wilf
Wilf also wasn’t shy about his opinion of Adofo-Mensah’s role within the organization: “Kwesi’s part of our football leadership. We feel great the moves Kwesi’s made, in terms of positioning, along with Coach O’Connell and Rob, in terms of our salary cap position, our draft position and potential, and so we have all the faith in Kwesi, and we’ve had very, very positive conversations, and that’s something we’re going to continue to work toward this offseason, in terms of making sure he’s part of that.”
“I think Coach O’Connell and Kwesi and Rob and our entire football leadership, our coordinators, our scouting department work very well together, and we as ownership feel strongly about it, as well. I think this offseason has been a real positive; I hope our fans sense that, as well.”
Any “will they or won’t they” on Adofo-Mensah’s extension is fan-driven. It’s a no-brainer per purple management.
Kevin O’Connell Already Locked Down
Three months ago, the Wilfs locked in O’Connell’s extension, attaching him to the franchise for the next five seasons.
O’Connell isn’t going anywhere.
Naturally, many wondered if a partner deal for Adofo-Mensah would follow days or weeks later. Instead, it has taken months, and in The Digital Age of everyone wanting everything now-now-now, the rumor mill about Adofo-Mensah’s future grew legs.
Vikings Ownership Likes the Direction
On the whole, the Vikings just finished 14-3 in a season with a backup, once-a-bust quarterback, while facing a daunting schedule. One year ago, Minnesota drafted quarterback J.J. McCarthy and outside linebacker Dallas Turner, so the future is paved with young talent.
Adofo-Mensah also authored a phenomenal free agency in 2024, so much so that fans already hope for a sequel from newcomers like Ryan Kelly, Will Fries, Javon Hargrave, and Jonathan Allen.
In short, the Wilfs like what they see.
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