LET'S GO KWESI!
His background is in research/development/analytics, but learned contract negotiations and the scouting world with the Browns.
I hope this "Kwesi" feeling I'm getting is a good thing....
Ok, here we go. HC up next. As I mentioned, the kudos are coming in from the media for this guy. And he's 40 years old, not 32 like some sites had reported.
Deal done by @ClintDowdle
and Michael Klein with CAA Sports. Vikings have a new GM.
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33151731/source-minnesota-vikings-hiring-kwesi-adofo-mensah-gm
Why Adofo-Mensah?Arif Hasan, Vikings beat writer: The Vikings wanted a forward-thinking general manager with a complete plan for how to run an organization with process in mind. Adofo-Mensah has communicated the importance of a shared, unified vision several times when talking to the media and that's the emphasis he brings to the table.
While billed as an "analytics"-minded candidate coming from a team heavily invested in the usage of data to guide decisions, Adofo-Mensah does have scouting and contract negotiation backgrounds, making him a more well-rounded candidate than he seems at first glance. It's also important for a team that has been stuck in the mud for so long to go in a different direction, and Adofo-Mensah certainly offers that.
What are his top priorities?Hasan: Adofo-Mensah's top offseason priority will be to determine what to do with Kirk Cousins, an enigma of a quarterback whose cap hit and off-season contributions run in the opposite direction. Cousins' contract looms heavily over the rest of the roster and the rest of the team-building decisions flow from there.
That said, the Vikings were loaded for bear for 2021 and have a bit of an empty cupboard for 2022 and will have to fill multiple spots at cornerback, along with spots at edge rusher, linebacker and safety while also juggling an always-struggling offensive line.
What did Adofo-Mensah accomplish in Cleveland?Zac Jackson, Browns beat writer: In Adofo-Mensah's first season in Cleveland, the Browns ended a 19-year playoff drought and a streak of 12 straight losing seasons. Adofo-Mensah was generally regarded as general manager Andrew Berry's No. 2 man in the Browns' power structure and Adofo-Mensah also worked closely with chief strategy officer Paul DePodesta on research and analytics-based projects.
The overall roster situation in Minnesota is similar to what it was in Cleveland in 2019, and Adofo-Mensah will be the front man in trying to help the Vikings return to the playoffs without undertaking a complete rebuild. His quick rise through the NFL ranks says his work to this point has been impressive.
@"JustinTime18™" said:
That's exactly what it is. Hope the Wilfs know what they are doing
@"JustinTime18™" said: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33151731/source-minnesota-vikings-hiring-kwesi-adofo-mensah-gmInteresting: A resolution approved by NFL owners in 2020 states that a team that loses a minority executive or coach to a general manager or head coach position with another NFL franchise will receive a third-round compensatory pick for two consecutive years. The rule requires the minority GM or head coach candidate to have been with their respective club for a minimum of two full seasons. Adofo-Mensah's two-year stint with Cleveland from 2020-21 fulfills that requirement.
Kwesi A-M has scouting + contract management experience and helps AB w/ all big decisions. The dude *knows* football. #Vikings
@"JustinTime18™" said:Only 2 supers and not even 1 duper? Hmm, hope this hiring isn’t a mistake.#Vikings are hiring Browns VP of Football Operations Kwesi Adofo-Mensah as their GM, per@AdamSchefter. A Princeton graduate, Adofo-Mensah worked on Wall Street before getting into the NFL in 2013. He's worked closely with Andrew Berry & has been touted as "super, super bright."
“One of the smartest dudes I know.”
“He’s going to kill it. Excellent hire.”
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