Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah won’t commit to Sam Darnold for 2025 season
EAGAN, Minn. (FOX 9) - Kwesi Adofo-Mensah spoke with reporters on Thursday at TCO Performance Center to wrap up the 2024 Minnesota Vikings’ season, a little earlier than he was hoping.
Adofo-Mensah was candid in saying the Vikings probably exceeded outside expectations with 14 wins. Those expectations also shifted as they were in contention for the No. 1 seed in the NFC and a division title into the final regular season game. His hope is that it’s just the start of something bigger.
"I think we’ve laid the foundation for a really competitive, sustained team. Going into the season, I thought we would be a really competitive playoff team," Adofo-Mensah said. "I can’t say that I sat here and said we were going to win 14 games, I’m not going to lie to anybody and say that. I wasn’t surprised we were a playoff team, but sometimes when you’re on the journey, your expectations shift."
‘I think we’ve got a lot of good options’
What we know: Adofo-Mensah on Thursday did not commit to bringing Sam Darnold back as his starting quarterback for the 2025 season. Darnold threw for more than 4,300 yards and 35 touchdowns, both carer-highs. But he also had arguably his two worst games of the season in the times that mattered the most.
What we don’t know: There are options with Darnold. The Vikings can let him walk, bring him back on the franchise tag, place him on the franchise tag and trade him or try to sign him to an extension. They also have J.J. McCarthy coming back from knee surgery.
"You’re talking about the most important position in our sport. I don’t think it’s a bad thing to assemble a lot of talented players in that room," Adofo-Mensah said. "We got to see Sam play some incredible football for us. Won a lot of big games, we’re talking about games where he won them for us. Everything we do is about what’s the team around him going to look like? I’m excited to have those conversations, I think we’ve got a lot of good options."
J.J. McCarthy resumes on-field training
Why it matters: Adofo-Mensah said J.J. McCarthy is back on the field throwing and training. McCarthy missed his entire rookie season after suffering a torn meniscus in his right knee in his preseason debut. It required two procedures to fix.
But will he be ready to be the 2025 starter?
"He looks great, he’s excited. You talk about a kid who is just obsessed with football and loves being around the game, so we’re excited about what we have in him," Adofo-Mensh said. "I can’t sit here and tell you anything for certain."
Extension coming for Kwesi?
What we know: Adofo-Mensah is under contract through the 2025 season. He’s helped lead the Vikings to two division titles in three seasons, but they don’t yet have a playoff win.
What we don’t know: If and when contract extensions will happen. Adofo-Mensah says he’s had conversations with the Wilf family about his future in Minnesota since the season ended.
"I’m always going to go back to the gratitude I have for them, and that I want to be the general manager going forward. I don’t really wake up thinking about stuff like that. I don’t think I’m entitled to anything," Adofo-Mensah said. "I’m unbelievably grateful to be the general manager of the Vikings and want to continue to be so. Whatever comes of the future will come."