2 “Kwesi Guys” Hit It Big in Life after Vikings

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2 “Kwesi Guys” Hit It Big in Life after Vikings

Minnesota Vikings guard Ed Ingram (67) lines up during NFC Wild Card action against the Los Angeles Rams, with Jan 13, 2025 marking the playoff matchup at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Ingram worked in the interior offensive line as Minnesota battled Los Angeles during the high-stakes postseason contest. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

Dustin Baker · Vikings Territory

Tue, Mar 10, 2026 ·

5 min read

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The Minnesota Vikings ' 2022 draft class is widely considered the disaster to end all disasters, orchestrated by former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, who was fired by the franchise six weeks ago. But not so fast: while Adofo-Mensah's first two selections that year — safety Lewis Cine and cornerback Andrew Booth — emphatically flopped, the rest of the class has slowly changed the narrative, evidenced by second contracts this week with a team not named the Vikings .

The old Kwesi draft debate just picked up new ammo.

You don't have to brag about the 2022 draft class, but it's not as big a failure as once broadcast worldwide.

Second Contracts Are Changing the Story of Minnesota's 2022 Class

What are your lasting impressions of the 2022 Vikings draft class?

Ed Ingram blocks Vernon Butler during a Minnesota Vikings preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Vikings 2022 draft class — Minnesota Vikings guard Ed Ingram (67) blocks against Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Vernon Butler (94) during first-half action, with Aug 14, 2022 marking the preseason matchup at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada. Ingram worked along the interior offensive line as Minnesota evaluated young linemen during the early preseason contest. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.

Ed Ingram Scores $37.5M from Texans

Ingram got his bag. NFL.com's Kevin Patra reported Monday , "The Houston Texans' latest offensive line shuffle will include its best performer from 2025. The Texans and guard Ed Ingram have agreed to terms on a three-year, $37.5 million deal, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday, per sources informed of the pact. The deal includes $23.5 million in guarantees."

"It's quite a turn for the former second-round pick, who was shipped out of Minnesota last year for spare parts after struggling mightily for three campaigns — 129 pressures allowed in 48 games with the Vikings. In Houston, Ingram wasn't a finished product but looked much closer to the player worthy of a second-round pick. He was the Texans' best run blocker."

Ingram's emergence as the NFL's 12th-highest-graded guard this season has been a surprise, particularly given that the Vikings traded him in March 2025 for a 6th-Round pick (later used to acquire Jordan Mason in a deal with San Francisco ).

Initially, the trade appeared to be a shrewd piece of roster management by Minnesota. However, Ingram's performance in Houston has changed that perception. Texans fans now recognize Ingram as a quietly impactful addition who slipped through the Vikings' fingers. Houston front office agrees, and Ingram now earns $12.5 million annually.

The Texans essentially acquired one of the league's top interior linemen for a mere 6th-Rounder. While Ingram, a former 2nd-Round pick by Adofo-Mensah, possessed untapped potential, Houston's decision to retain him only solidifies the notion that they won the trade — an idea that seemed like a joke when the deal went down.

Jalen Nailor ? $35 Million from Raiders

Ingram wasn't alone. Nailor, too, cashed in elsewhere after two months of rumors suggesting a team would pay him north of $10 million per season.

The rumors were correct.

The Raiders will pay Nailor $35 million over the next three seasons. He instantly became Las Vegas' WR1 on the current depth chart, though that could change depending on April's draft. Nailor joins this WR group in Sin City:

Despite never reaching 500 receiving yards in a season, league scouts recognize Nailor's potential. This belief in his ability to improve is reflected in the Raiders' contract, signaling that the front office sees untapped potential.

Michigan State wide receiver Jalen Nailor's helmet sits on the field during Peach Bowl warmups at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Vikings 2022 draft class — Michigan State wide receiver Jalen Nailor's helmet rests on the field during pregame warmups before the Peach Bowl matchup with Pittsburgh, with Dec 30, 2021 marking the scene at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. The Spartans prepared for the postseason contest as equipment sat lined along the sideline before kickoff. Mandatory Credit: Junfu Han-USA TODAY NETWORK.

Furthermore, Nailor and Vikings' quarterback J.J. McCarthy established a strong connection in 2025, with Nailor becoming one of McCarthy's most reliable targets. However, heading into the 2026 offseason, Minnesota faced salary cap constraints and could only offer Nailor a second contract of under $10 million, a limit they were unwilling to exceed.

But Wait, There's More

Ingram and Nailor represented the two men from Adofo-Mensah's draft who grabbed big sacks of cash this week. Three more secured second contracts.

Fourth-round corner from 2022, Akayleb Evans , re-upped with the Carolina Panthers on Monday. He'll eye a CB4 job in 2026 after the Vikings left him for dead in 2024.

Then, in San Francisco, the 49ers signed offensive tackle Verderian Lowe, whom Minnesota traded to the New England Patriots in 2023. He's played in 46 games since Minnesota let him go, starting 26. Once upon a time, Adofo-Mensha drafted him in Round 6 as a backup offensive tackle, and he's outplayed that draft stock. His deal is worth $12 million over two years on Kyle Shanahan's team. Impressive.

Defensive tackle Esezi Otomewo , a 5th-Rounder from 2022, also signed a small contract extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers to start free agency.

Yes, the Rest Are Flops

Here's the final scorecard as of March 2026:

Adofo-Mensah's 2022 Draftees Who Flopped:

Lewis Cine (S)
Andrew Booth (CB)
Brian Asamoah (LB)
Nick Muse (TE)

Vederian Lowe lines up for the New England Patriots during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Vikings 2022 draft class — New England Patriots offensive tackle Vederian Lowe (59) lines up during a road game against the Arizona Cardinals, with Dec 15, 2024 marking the matchup at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Lowe worked along the Patriots offensive line as New England attempted to establish rhythm during the interconference contest. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

Those with staying power in the NFL:

Ed Ingram (OG)
Akayleb Evans (CB)
Esezi Otomewo (DT)
Ty Chandler (RB)
Vederian Lowe (OT)
Jalen Nailor (WR)

Folks will continue to make jokes about the class because of Cine and Booth — rightfully so — but Adofo-Mensah somehow nailed the mid- and late-rounders but got rid of them too early, or now isn't around to reap the benefits.

In short, Adofo-Mensah basically bungled the start of his first-ever draft but somehow rebounded nicely. Nobody knew it until now. Perhaps he'll tell his new pals in San Francisco; he was hired by the 49ers as personnel executive last month.

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