The front office and coaching staff of the Minnesota Vikings largely remain unchanged from the past two seasons. However, as they enter Year 3, it feels like this regime is finally beginning their development arc instead of relying on their predecessors’ work. There’s a new future quarterback, and the leadership has focused on drafting, signing, and developing current players.
This offseason is especially significant for general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. He has made bold decisions regarding the franchise’s direction and hasn’t shied away from the pressure. He let Kirk Cousins and Danielle Hunter go, drafted his future QB, and is nearing a major contract negotiation with Justin Jefferson. The team will no longer be defined by the legacy of Rick Spielman and Mike Zimmer. This season will truly reflect what the Kwesi-O’Connell Vikings will look like moving forward.
Early news from the Vikings’ OTAs, as reported by The Athletic’s Alec Lewis, highlighted that cornerbacks Shaq Griffin and Akayleb Evans were on the outside, with Byron Murphy Jr. inside the slot. Mekhi Blackmon competed with the starters, while safety Lewis Cine and cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. worked on the other side.
Adofo-Mensah still faces scrutiny for his 2022 draft class. Fans often bring up his initial decisions, making it hard for him to shake off first impressions. In his first year, Adofo-Mensah made notable trade-backs, passing on fan-favorite Kyle Hamilton and trading within the division, which led to the selection of Lewis Cine and Andrew Booth. These moves were controversial, especially because they seemed to benefit divisional rivals.
Cine and Booth, immediately under intense scrutiny, have struggled to live up to expectations. Cine’s rookie season was cut short by a leg injury, and Booth remains underdeveloped. Third-round pick Brian Asamoah is also fighting for a spot on the final roster. Even the more successful picks from that class, like Ed Ingram and Akayleb Evans, have faced significant challenges. Ingram has struggled as a starting guard, and Evans, despite showing potential, was benched for poor performance last season. Ty Chandler has shown flashes of talent but has yet to secure a consistent role.
Despite these challenges, Adofo-Mensah has made some successful moves. The T.J. Hockenson trade has been beneficial, and the selection of Jordan Addison has provided the team with a strong WR2. Ivan Pace Jr. was an excellent find as an undrafted free agent.
For fans to move past their frustrations with the 2022 draft, the Vikings need to show growth this season. Whether it’s J.J. McCarthy becoming a franchise quarterback, Dallas Turner winning Defensive Rookie of the Year, or breakthroughs from Cine or Booth, some clear signs of progress are necessary for Adofo-Mensah’s redemption.
This season will be critical in evaluating whether Adofo-Mensah and the current Vikings regime can effectively lead the franchise. Patience is required, especially with rookie QB McCarthy, but much can be learned from a team in transition. Key free-agent signings and the resolution of Justin Jefferson’s contract will also be telling. If, by season’s end, the future looks promising, it may be time to forgive Adofo-Mensah’s early missteps.
