Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is the frontrunner for Executive of the Year as free agent class continues to pay major dividends
The biggest factor in the Minnesota Vikings' 5-0 start has been the success of the free agent class. After two offseasons where the Vikings were really hampered by the salary cap constraints handed to him by former general manager Rick Spielman, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has had to use a Moneyball approach. The 2024 offseason was the […]
The biggest factor in the Minnesota Vikings' 5-0 start has been the success of the free agent class.
After two offseasons where the Vikings were really hampered by the salary cap constraints handed to him by former general manager Rick Spielman, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has had to use a Moneyball approach. The 2024 offseason was the first where there was some significant spending money, even though they still have over $65 million in dead money.
Adofo-Mensah has done a really good job in adding both high-end talent and the right players.
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah should be Executive of the Year
Through five games, there hasn't been a more impactful free agent class than what the Minnesota Vikings brought in. Adofo-Mensah knew that scheme alone wasn't going to continue growing the Vikings defense and he delivered and defensive coordinator Brian Flores has the unit first in the National Football League.
On Sunday, those players made an impact in a big way.
- OLB Jonathan Greenard: 7 pressures
- OLB Andrew Van Ginkel: 3 pressures, pick six
- ILB Blake Cashman: 2 pressures
- CB Stephon Gilmore: game-clinching interception
These players, along with CB Shaquill Griffin, have been excellent in helping the Vikings get to 5-0. Greenard is currently tied for second in pressures per Pro Football Focus. Van Ginkel is the only player in the NFL with two pick-sixes this season as well, which is impressive in itself.
We've talked about the defense without having mentioned the quarterback who has lead the offense to a 5-0 mark. He has 11 touchdowns to just four interceptions on the season and has been a major factor in getting an undefeated start ahead of the bye.
Adofo-Mensah has also drafted some players prepared to make an impact. Kicker Will Reichard is currently 25-25 this season in kicks, OLB Dallas Turner has already shown the ability to get to the passer and QB J.J. McCarthy looks like the future of the franchise.
No other general manager has done enough over the last 9 months to get their franchise in position to make a run at the Super Bowl and he deserves to get the award this upcoming February.
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