There’s a reason that the announcement from the Vikings didn’t even feel like breaking news.
As much as the conspiracy theorists on social media tried to make this into a bigger deal than it was over the past few months, it always felt like only a matter of time before the Vikings worked something out with general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.
That’s exactly what happened on Friday morning when the Vikings announced that they had signed Adofo-Mensah to a multiyear contract extension.
There wasn’t any other choice.
Since being hired in January 2022 to oversee a competitive rebuild, Adofo-Mensah has steadily built the Vikings into a perennial NFC power.
Maybe even a Super Bowl contender in short order if future franchise quarterback J.J. McCarthy is as special as everyone in the organization thinks he can be.
That’s a testament to everything Adofo-Mensah has done throughout his tenure. He’s taken some big swings along the way, and while some of resulted in home runs and some in strikeouts, the Vikings have consistently been heading in the right direction.
There’s no sense in shaking up the status quo. Not when the Vikings are in a good spot as currently constructed.
After inheriting an aging roster that looked to be past its prime, Adofo-Mensah slowly but surely dug the Vikings out of salary cap hell, which allowed them to be among the biggest spenders in free agency this offseason.
There were some tough conversations along the way, such as releasing beloved receiver Adam Thielen, parting ways with star running back Dalvin Cook and, most notably, moving on from franchise quarterback Kirk Cousins.
The changes haven’t stopped the Vikings from competing at the highest level. Not only have they made the playoffs twice with Adofo-Mensah at the helm, they have managed to produce 34 wins in that span. Only the Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens have more.
So, why does it feel like a large portion of the fan base is disappointed that Adofo-Mensah is sticking around? Most of the frustration seems to be rooted in the inability to hit on draft picks.
To say that Adofo-Mensah has struggled with that part of the job would be an understatement. It started a few months after he took over. He selected 10 players in the 2022 NFL Draft, most of which are no longer on the roster, and he hasn’t been able to escape it.
Though he certainly deserves his fair share of criticism for missing so badly on safety Lewis Cine, cornerback Andrew Booth Jr., and right guard Ed Ingram, that shouldn’t completely overshadow some of the savvy moves Adofo-Mensah has made in the aftermath of that dumpster fire.
Just look at the roster he’s built. It’s among the best in the NFL.
On offense, Adofo-Mensah gets credit for drafting McCarthy, signing running back Aaron Jones, extending receiver Justin Jefferson, trading for tight end T.J. Hockenson, and completely revamping the interior of offensive line.
On defense, Adofo-Mensah gets credit for signing defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, signing edge rushers Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel, all while building depth across the board.
You can’t pillory him for his failures without praising him for his successes.
That’s why the Vikings signing Adofo-Mensah to a multiyear contract was the right move. He has earned the right to see it through.
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