The Vikings’ Interim GM Inherits 3 Major Headaches
Rob Brzezinski is in charge of the Minnesota Vikings for the next few months after the organization claimed it would hire an official replacement general manager for Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, who was terminated at the end of January, after the 2026 NFL Draft. In the meantime, Brzezinski, often known as the “money guy” for the Vikings, must solve three main problems.
Free agency is close, and Minnesota’s priorities are clear for a new and interim GM.
That process for Brzezinski starts as early as now, as free agency is just two weeks away.
Three Urgent Roster Fixes Facing Minnesota
A look at Brzezinski’s main to-do list, listed in order of importance (No. 1 = most important problem to solve).
3. Find a New Running Back
The Vikings’ offense would likely benefit from prioritizing the running game. Minnesota needs a running back strategy focused on reliability, durability, and efficiency per carry; currently, their approach feels like a short-term fix. While Aaron Jones has been a dependable veteran, his age (32 in the 2026 season) raises concerns about his long-term effectiveness.
This necessitates a crucial decision for Brzezinski and head coach Kevin O’Connell. They could acquire an established veteran, such as Travis Etienne or Breece Hall. Alternatively, they could return to the draft to find a potential star running back, a strategy they haven’t employed since selecting Dalvin Cook in 2017.
In 2025, the running game was adequate but lacked the dominance needed to consistently challenge opposing defenses. To establish a Top 10 offense, Minnesota needs a true workhorse RB1, a fundamental component rather than a mere luxury.
O’Connell’s offensive system thrives when a strong rushing attack keeps defenses honest, which depends on a halfback capable of handling a significant workload while still delivering explosive plays.
Ideally, because Minnesota is cash-strapped, it will finally draft a running back before the end of Round 4 in April, which could translate to Jonah Coleman (Washington), Jadarian Price (Notre Dame), or Nick Singleton (Penn State), to name a few.
In the event that Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame slid to No. 18, that would be the no-brainer to end all no-brainers for the Vikings.
2. Fix the Defensive Secondary — Probably with Youth
The Vikings’ secondary had two primary issues:
- Harrison Smith may retire. If he does not, he’ll retire after the 2026 season. The Vikings need a replacement for Smith sooner rather than later.
- In 2025, Minnesota got away with unusually skimpy cornerback depth. That probably won’t work again in 2026.
Minnesota’s pass defense did not struggle in 2025, but with the personnel, the group might’ve gotten “lucky” at times.
To eventually replace Smith and to successfully draft a cornerback of any kind for the first time since Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander a decade ago, Brzezinski and Flores probably have to find rookie cornerbacks and safeties to feed the defensive depth chart in the long term.
SI.com‘s Joe Nelson recently recommended the free-agent signing of Seattle Seahawks safety Coby Bryant, “With Harrison Smith likely retiring, the Vikings need more talent at safety alongside Josh Metellus, Theo Jackson, Jay Ward, and Tavierre Thomas. If Minnesota doesn’t think Jackson can be an every-week starter, then Bryant is the kind of player they should pursue.”
“Bryant switched from corner to safety in 2024, and he’s been a stud ever since. This season, he had four interceptions on a stout, Super Bowl-winning Seattle defense. At a projected contract of three years and $30 million, his $10 million annual average value would compare to Smith’s 2025 cap hit of $9.9 million.”
The veteran safety logged a 65.5 Pro Football Focus grade in 2025 and is 26 years old.
Nelson continued, “He makes even more sense if the Vikings want to stay young (he’s 27) and avoid paying a higher price for safeties like Kam Curl (he’s 27 with a projected four-year, $65 million price tag) and Kevin Byard (he’s 33 and projected to receive a two-year, $25 million deal).”
“Another option would be to trade for Minkah Fitzpatrick, who has experience in Flores’ defense and was one of the top-rated safeties in the league this past season.”
1. Sign or Trade for Another QB to Compete with J.J. McCarthy
From the beginning of the offseason, Adofo-Mensah (before his termination) and Kevin O’Connell announced that the Vikings would spend the offseason creating a deeper quarterback room than last year, which included J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, Max Brosmer, John Wolford, Desmond Ridder, Sam Howell, and Brett Rypien from March through December.
If the organziation is serious, that means Brzezinski isn’t far away from acquiring a newcomer, likely someone with more youth or talent than Wentz, the primary backup in 2025.
The most popular candidates are these men:
- Derek Carr (trade)
- Kirk Cousins
- Jimmy Garoppolo
- Mac Jones (trade)
- Will Levis (trade)
- Marcus Mariota
- Kyler Murray (trade)
- Anthony Richardson (trade)
- Aaron Rodgers
- Geno Smith (trade)
- Malik Willis
Brzezinski, with O’Connell’s input, must pick one. O’Connell’s job security may depend on it.
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