The ink is barely dry on the 2026 NFL Draft boards across the league, and while most teams have shifted their focus to post-draft roster evaluations and undrafted free agent signings, the Minnesota Vikings are locked in on a different kind of evaluation entirely: their search for a new general manager.
Following the Vikings' firing of general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah on January 30, 2026, the organization, led by the Wilf family, has been conducting an exhaustive and well-publicized search for a successor. Now with the 2026 NFL Draft in the rearview mirror, the Vikings have narrowed their list to 11 leading candidates -- a blend of internal front office stalwarts, respected executives from other franchises, and a former GM seeking a second chance.
This is not merely a rehash of earlier speculation about internal candidates like executive vice president Rob Brzezinski. The search has expanded and matured in the context of a completed draft class and the upcoming rookie minicamps. The next general manager will inherit a roster already partially shaped by the previous regime's philosophy and decisions. The critical question is: who is best equipped to take the franchise forward?
Below is a detailed look at the 11 most likely candidates to become the next architect of the Minnesota Vikings.
The Internal Candidates
Rob Brzezinski - Executive Vice President of Football Operations
Brzezinski has been a steady hand in the Vikings' front office for more than two decades, operating as the salary cap architect and primary negotiator under three different general managers, including Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. His deep organizational knowledge, rapport with ownership, and understanding of the team's contract structures make him the most logical internal candidate. The Wilf family trusts his experience, and he has been instrumental in maintaining the financial health of the roster. However, the question remains whether ownership desires continuity or a fresh voice to lead the Vikings into the next era. Brzezinski's connection to the previous regime may be perceived as both a strength and potential weakness.
Ryan Grigson - Senior Vice President of Player Personnel
A former NFL Executive of the Year during his tenure as general manager of the Indianapolis Colts, Grigson brings notable front office and draft experience. Since joining the Vikings in a senior personnel role, he has been integrally involved in scouting and player evaluation. Grigson's past with the Colts--building a roster around quarterback Andrew Luck--bolsters his credibility. While some of his draft decisions faced criticism in Indianapolis, his recent work in Minnesota, including evaluation of the 2026 draft class, reflects potential growth. His familiarity with the Vikings roster could give him a competitive edge over external candidates who need more time to acclimate.
Jamaal Stephenson - Director of Player Personnel
Stephenson has steadily risen through the Vikings' scouting ranks and is respected within the organization for his keen eye for talent, especially in identifying mid- and late-round gems. As a younger candidate, he symbolizes the next generation of Vikings front office leadership. His record of successful scouting assignments enhances his profile. However, Stephenson has limited experience in managing the broader macro elements of roster construction and the high-stakes negotiations required of a general manager, which could be a hurdle at this stage.
The External Candidates
Brandon Brown - Assistant General Manager, New York Giants
Brown is among the hottest names in NFL executive circles, known for blending traditional scouting with advanced analytics. His role with the Giants, who have repeatedly outperformed expectations in the draft, highlights his talent evaluation skills and collaborative communication style. The Vikings' existing strong analytics infrastructure aligns well with Brown's philosophy, potentially positioning him as a candidate who could modernize the team's football operations while maintaining solid drafting standards.
Champ Kelly - Assistant General Manager, Las Vegas Raiders
Kelly has interviewed for several GM openings in recent years and commands respect for his preparedness and comprehensive front office knowledge. His background includes significant experience in both the AFC and NFC, having served with the Chicago Bears and later the Raiders. Kelly's expertise lies heavily in scouting but also extends to salary cap management. His role in the Raiders' recent successful draft hauls highlights his competence. Moreover, his reputation as a culture-builder aligns with the Wilf family's emphasis on organizational stability.
Mike Borgonzi - Assistant General Manager, Kansas City Chiefs
An executive from one of the most successful franchises of the last decade, Borgonzi boasts an extensive tenure with the Chiefs. His expertise focuses on building and balancing a roster of elite veterans alongside cost-controlled rookie contracts, facilitating consistent Super Bowl contention. The Vikings, poised at a critical moment with salary cap considerations and roster construction needs, would benefit immensely from his championship experience and asset management skills.
Ed Dodds - Assistant General Manager, Indianapolis Colts
Dodds has emerged as a strong candidate in multiple recent GM searches and is widely considered to be on the cusp of a general manager breakthrough. Rising through the ranks from regional scout to a key executive role in Indianapolis, Dodds is known for his tireless work ethic and talent for discovering undervalued players. Despite quarterback instability, the Colts' competitiveness reflects well on his roster-building acumen.
Brandon Beane - General Manager, Buffalo Bills (requires trade compensation)
Beane represents the longest shot, currently under contract with the Buffalo Bills. The Vikings would need the Bills' permission to interview him and likely significant draft compensation to secure his services. Nonetheless, his reputation for crafting a perennial contender around Josh Allen, managing cap space expertly, and maintaining consistent draft success makes him a highly attractive but costly option. The Wilf family is known for boldness, but this move would represent a high-risk, high-reward gamble.
The Former GM Candidate
Jon Robinson - Former General Manager, Tennessee Titans
Robinson was dismissed by the Titans following the 2022 season, but his tenure included drafting standout talents such as Derrick Henry, Jeffery Simmons, and A.J. Brown. While the trade of A.J. Brown is a blemish on his record, overall, his leadership yielded competitive teams. After spending recent years consulting and in media roles, Robinson appears ready to rejoin an NFL front office. The Vikings' roster, bolstered by draft capital and cap space, could provide an ideal platform for his return.
The Wild Cards
John Spytek - Vice President of Player Personnel, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Spytek has played a critical role in sustaining competitiveness through the Buccaneers' transition from the Tom Brady era to the present. His strength lies in identifying veteran free-agent value and producing strong draft classes. His track record for helping maintain a competitive roster amid quarterback changes is a notable front office accomplishment.
Trey Brown - Senior Personnel Executive, Cincinnati Bengals
Brown has been a vital part of the Bengals' rise as a talent-developing powerhouse. His combined expertise in scouting and salary cap management makes him a well-rounded executive. Brown is regarded as one of the NFL's emerging minority executives, aligning with the Vikings' ongoing commitment to diversity in hiring.
The Task Ahead
Whoever is handed the reins will step into a promising situation. The Vikings possess a young, talented core supplemented by the newly acquired 2026 draft class. Salary cap flexibility remains manageable, ownership is patient and supportive, and the fan base remains passionate and knowledgeable.
The primary challenge for the incoming GM will be to establish a coherent football philosophy: Will the Vikings embrace an analytics-driven, forward-thinking roster construction approach, or will they pivot back toward a more traditional scouting-centric model?
Ultimately, the 11 candidates represent two distinct approaches: promoting from within with continuity (Brzezinski, Grigson, Stephenson), or bringing in an external change agent (Brown, Kelly, Borgonzi, and others). With rookie minicamps and offseason programs approaching, there is no rush. Still, the Wilf family's decision over the coming weeks will indelibly shape the franchise's trajectory for years to come.
Stay tuned. The Minnesota Vikings' next chapter is about to unfold.
Word Count: ~1,200 words