5 questions we have for the Vikings ahead of an important offseason

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5 questions we have for the Vikings ahead of an important offseason

5 questions we have for the Vikings ahead of an important offseason

Jack McKessy, USA TODAY · USA TODAY Sports

Tue, Feb 24, 2026 ·

9 min read

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All 32 NFL teams enter the same offseason with the same schedule of events. But the intrigue for each team differs wildly, and the Minnesota Vikings are entering this offseason with some important questions to answer.

On Jan. 30, the Vikings fired general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah less than one year removed from signing him to a multiyear extension. The firing came more than four weeks after the conclusion of the regular season, far removed from the "Black Monday" period when multiple other teams moved on from their head coaches and one other team – the Atlanta Falcons – fired its general manager .

Adofo-Mensah's firing coincided instead with the Seattle Seahawks ' – and former Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold 's – victory in the NFC championship game. Darnold, for a second straight season, had thrown for more than 4,000 yards and won 14 games as a starter in the regular season before leading the Seahawks to the Super Bowl, which he and his new team eventually won.

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Meanwhile, in Minnesota, second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy struggled to follow in Darnold's footsteps and put together a middling de facto rookie season after losing his first year to a knee injury. The Vikings went 9-8 (6-4 in McCarthy starts as he missed seven more games with various injuries) and missed the playoffs.

The timing of Adofo-Mensah's firing appeared reactionary, at least in part, to Darnold's success and will impact the Vikings' offseason by leaving them without a general manager in charge of making personnel decisions.

Minnesota has said it will start its process to hire a new GM after the 2026 NFL Draft in April. In the meantime, the team's executive vice president of football operations, Rob Brzezinski, will lead the team's efforts in free agency and the draft.

Here are the five biggest questions looming over Brzezinski, head coach Kevin O'Connell and the Vikings as the offseason gets underway in earnest at the NFL combine this week:

Sam Darnold of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after winning Super Bowl LX against the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium on February 08, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots 29-13.
(Ronald Martinez, Getty Images)

Seattle Seahawks' quarterback #14 Sam Darnold celebrates his team's victory over the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on Feb. 8, 2026.
(PATRICK T. FALLON, AFP via Getty Images)

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike MacDonald celebrates with quarterback Sam Darnold after defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium.
(Kyle Terada, Imagn Images)

Sam Darnold #14 of the Seattle Seahawks walks off the field after winning Super Bowl LX against the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium.
(Ronald Martinez, Getty Images)

Sam Darnold #14 of the Seattle Seahawks reacts after winning Super Bowl LX against the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium on Feb. 8, 2026 in Santa Clara, Calif. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots 29-13.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) celebrates on the podium after defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium.
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)

Sam Darnold #14 of the Seattle Seahawks hoists the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the New England Patriots 29-13 to win Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium on Feb. 08, 2026 in Santa Clara, Calif.
(Ishika Samant, Getty Images)

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) celebrates with the Vince Lombardi trophy on the podium after defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium.
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)

Sam Darnold #14 of the Seattle Seahawks embraces Brenden Schooler #41 of the New England Patriots after defeating the New England Patriots 29-13 to win Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) and running back Kenneth Walker III (9) celebrate with the Vince Lombardi trophy after defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium.
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)

How are the Vikings handling free agency and the draft?

In other words, which members of the Vikings' personnel are making the big decisions on which players to target this offseason? How is Brzezinski handling his duties as something of an interim general manager?

The implicit question here is how much of a role O'Connell will have in making player personnel decisions. Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk reported in late January that the Vikings' head coach was against the former GM's plan of riding with McCarthy and "journeyman backups."

With Adofo-Mensah gone and the Vikings still without a permanent general manager, O'Connell will, in theory, play an even more significant role in offseason decision-making.

The Athletic has reported that while Brzezinski will lead the organization's communication with agents and players, "O'Connell's priorities will also factor prominently, and his coaching staff's influence on free-agent signings and draft picks will be judged accordingly."

First, the Vikings need to get to a point where they can sign free agents. As Minnesota enters a critical offseason without a permanent general manager, it will face some difficult decisions on how to get cap-compliant before the new league year (and free agency) begins.

How will the Vikings get under the salary cap?

The Vikings are 32nd in the NFL in cap room, with OverTheCap estimating that the NFC North team is $43 million over the estimated salary cap in 2026 as of Feb. 23. The next-closest team is the Cowboys, who are a projected $24.6 million over the cap.

How Brzezinski and O'Connell handle the cap situation in the coming weeks will be critical in determining where the Vikings stand at the start in free agency. Minnesota will likely need to part ways with several key players – tight end T.J. Hockenson and Aaron Jones are among cut candidates – just to get cap-compliant, and then the front office will need to get to work on replacing those players in the offseason.

That the Vikings are in such a dire salary cap situation in 2026 is a symptom of a lingering problem from the Adofo-Mensah era: Minnesota has struggled to build up its roster through the draft. Even with a quarterback on a rookie contract, the Vikings are more than $40 million over the projected salary cap because they've needed to lean on free agency to strengthen the roster.

Minnesota's necessity to find cap space – whether it be via trades, releases or contract restructures – adds even more intrigue for a team that's operating without a true general manager for the next couple of months. It's the biggest test and question facing Brzezinski, O'Connell and the rest of the front office early on and will set early expectations for the Vikings' 2026 outlook.

It doesn't stop there though. Once the salary cap questions have been answered, there's still a massive roster decision that will linger up until Week 1 of the 2026 season – and likely beyond.

Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy rushes in the second half against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Michigan Stadium on Sept. 18, 2021.
(Rick Osentoski, USA TODAY Sports)

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy celebrates after the 42-3 win over Iowa in the Big Ten championship game on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Indianapolis.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network)

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy hugs running back Blake Corum after the Wolverines lost, 34-11, to Georgia in the Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Friday, Dec. 31, 2021.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network)

Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy celebrates on the sidelines against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors during first-half action at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022.
(Kirthmon F. Dozier, USA TODAY Network)

Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh hugs quarterback J.J. McCarthy following their 45-23 win over the Ohio State Buckeyes in the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Nov. 26, 2022.
(Adam Cairns, Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY Network)

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy high-fives fans after the Wolverines defeated Maryland, 34-27, at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network)

Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy meditates in the end zone before the game against the Michigan State Spartans on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022.
(Kirthmon F. Dozier, USA TODAY Network)

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy runs by Michigan State defensive end Michael Fletcher during the first half on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022.
(Kirthmon F. Dozier, USA TODAY Network)

Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy celebrates his touchdown run against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on Nov. 26, 2022.
(Joseph Maiorana, USA TODAY Sports)

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy celebrates with fans after the Wolverines won the Big Ten championship game after defeating Purdue, 43-22, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, on Dec. 3, 2022.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network)

Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy celebrates with running back Donovan Edwards and offensive lineman Trevor Keegan against the TCU Horned Frogs during the 2022 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on Dec. 31, 2022.
(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)

Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy reacts in the fourth quarter against the TCU Horned Frogs during the 2022 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on Dec. 31, 2022.
(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy calls for a snap against East Carolina during the second half of the Wolverines' 30-3 win on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, at Michigan Stadium.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network)

Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson celebrates a touchdown against UNLV with quarterback J.J. McCarthy during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network)

Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy celebrates after running back Blake Corum runs for a touchdown against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the second quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium on Oct. 7, 2023.
(Matt Krohn, USA TODAY Sports)

Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy runs the ball against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the first quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium on Oct. 7, 2023.
(Matt Krohn, USA TODAY Sports)

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy celebrates a touchdown against Indiana with running back Blake Corum during the first half at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network)

Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy reacts while leaving the field following a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium on Nov. 11, 2023. Michigan won 24-15.
(Matthew O'Haren, USA TODAY Sports)

Jack Sawyer of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates after sacking J.J. McCarthy of the Michigan Wolverines during the second quarter in the game at Michigan Stadium on Nov. 25, 2023, in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
(Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)

J.J. McCarthy of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates with fans on the field after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan Stadium on Nov. 25, 2023, in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
(Gregory Shamus, Getty Images)

Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy lets out a yell as he leaves the field following the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan Stadium. Michigan won, 30-24.
(Adam Cairns, Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY Sports)

Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy celebrates after winning the Big Ten championship game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium on Dec. 2, 2023.
(Robert Goddin, USA TODAY Sports)

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy and wide receivers coach Ron Bellamy celebrate Michigan's 26-0 win over Iowa in the Big Ten championship game in Indianapolis on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network)

J.J. McCarthy of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates with fans after winning the Big Ten championship against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium on Dec. 2, 2023, in Indianapolis.
(Michael Hickey, Getty Images)

Head coach Jim Harbaugh and J.J. McCarthy of the Michigan Wolverines celebrate after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the College Football Playoff Rose Bowl game on Jan. 1, 2024, in Pasadena, California.
(Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images)

J.J. McCarthy of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates with the Leishman Trophy after beating the Alabama Crimson Tide, 27-20, in overtime to win the College Football Playoff Rose Bowl game on Jan. 1, 2024, in Pasadena, California.
(Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images)

J.J. McCarthy of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates with a rose after beating the Alabama Crimson Tide, 27-20, in overtime to win the College Football Playoff Rose Bowl game on Jan. 1, 2024, in Pasadena, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)

J.J. McCarthy of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates with teammate Blake Corum and head coach Jim Harbaugh after beating the Alabama Crimson Tide, 27-20, in overtime to win the College Football Playoff Rose Bowl game on Jan. 1, 2024, in Pasadena, California.
(Harry How, Getty Images)

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy meditates on the field before the start of the College Football Playoff national championship game against Washington at NRG Stadium in Houston on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.
(Melanie Maxwell, Detroit Free Press / USA TODAY Sports)

Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy celebrates with running back Donovan Edwards after a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter in the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game at NRG Stadium on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.
(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)

Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy holds the College Football Playoff national championship trophy as he celebrates after defeating the Washington Huskies at NRG Stadium on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.
(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy kisses the College Football Playoff national championship trophy to celebrate 34-13 win over Washington at the national championship game at NRG Stadium in Houston on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network)

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy kisses his girlfriend Katya Kuropas to celebrate the Wolverines' 34-13 win over Washington to win the College Football Playoff national championship against Washington at NRG Stadium in Houston on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network)

Michigan defensive lineman Kris Jenkins, quarterback J.J. McCarthy and linebacker Michael Barrett wave at fans during the National Championship parade in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Sports)

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy celebrates with family after the Wolverines' 34-13 victory over Washington to win the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship at NRG Stadium in Houston on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network)

J.J. McCarthy of the Michigan Wolverines calls a play in the first quarter against the Washington Huskies during the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game at NRG Stadium on Jan. 8, 2024, in Houston.
(Logan Riely, Getty Images)

J.J. McCarthy of the Michigan Wolverines reacts after a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Washington Huskies during the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game at NRG Stadium on Jan. 8, 2024, in Houston.
(Gregory Shamus, Getty Images)

J.J. McCarthy of the Minnesota Vikings looks on prior throwing out the ceremonial first pitch for the MLB game between the Tampa Bay Rays and Minnesota Twins at Target Field on June 18, 2024, in Minneapolis.
(David Berding, Getty Images)

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy practices before making his NFL debut against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Sept. 8, 2025, in Chicago. Minnesota won, 27-24.
(Matt Marton, Imagn Images)

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell hugs quarterback J.J. McCarthy prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Sept. 8, 2025, in Chicago. Minnesota won, 27-24, in McCarthy's NFL debut.
(Patrick McDermott, Getty Images)

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell talks with quarterback J.J. McCarthy during the first half against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Sept. 8, 2025, in Chicago. Minnesota won, 27-24, in McCarthy's NFL debut.
(Matt Marton, Imagn Images)

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy runs with the ball during the fourth quarter of the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Sept. 8, 2025, in Chicago. Minnesota won, 27-24, in McCarthy's NFL debut.
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)

J.J. McCarthy, Brian O'Neill and Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings celebrate after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Sept. 8, 2025, in Chicago. Minnesota won, 27-24, in McCarthy's NFL debut.
(Patrick McDermott, Getty Images)

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell and coach Josh McCown speak with quarterback J.J. McCarthy during the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Sept. 8, 2025, in Chicago. Minnesota won, 27-24, in McCarthy's NFL debut.
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy drops back to pass against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Soldier Field on Sept. 8, 2025, in Chicago. Minnesota won, 27-24, in McCarthy's NFL debut.
(Matt Marton, Imagn Images)

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy rushes for a touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the second half at Soldier Field on Sept. 8, 2025, in Chicago. Minnesota won, 27-24, in McCarthy's NFL debut.
(Matt Marton, Imagn Images)

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the second half at Soldier Field on Sept. 8, 2025, in Chicago. Minnesota won, 27-24, in McCarthy's NFL debut.
(Matt Marton, Imagn Images)

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy runs into the end zone for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Sept. 8, 2025, in Chicago. Minnesota won, 27-24, in McCarthy's NFL debut.
(Patrick McDermott, Getty Images)

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy rushes the ball against the Chicago Bears during the second half at Soldier Field on Sept. 8, 2025, in Chicago. Minnesota won, 27-24, in McCarthy's NFL debut.
(Matt Marton, Imagn Images)

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy shakes hands with Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams after the game at Soldier Field on Sept. 8, 2025, in Chicago. Minnesota won, 27-24, in McCarthy's NFL debut.
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy hugs wide receiver Adam Thielen after defeating the Chicago Bears, 27-24, at Soldier Field on Sept. 8, 2025, in Chicago.
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy and Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland shake hands following Minnesota's 27-24 win at Soldier Field on Sept. 8, 2025, in Chicago. McCarthy and Loveland were college teammates at Michigan in 2022 and 2023.
(Patrick McDermott, Getty Images)

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy looks on after defeating the Chicago Bears, 27-24, in his NFL debut at Soldier Field on Sept. 8, 2025, in Chicago.
(Patrick McDermott, Getty Images)

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy celebrates after defeating the Chicago Bears, 27-24, in his NFL debut at Soldier Field on Sept. 8, 2025, in Chicago. Minnesota won, 27-24.
(Patrick McDermott, Getty Images)

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy reacts after defeating the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Sept. 8, 2025, in Chicago. Minnesota won, 27-24, in McCarthy's NFL debut.
(Matt Marton, Imagn Images)

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy reacts after defeating the Chicago Bears, 27-24, in his NFL debut at Soldier Field on Sept. 8, 2025, in Chicago.
(Matt Marton, Imagn Images)

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Who will quarterback the 2026 Vikings?

J.J. McCarthy has one of the hottest seats of returning starting quarterbacks in 2026. One year after the Vikings traded up to draft the former Michigan quarterback with a top-10 pick, McCarthy struggled through the 2025 season.

In his first year as an NFL starter, the second-year quarterback completed 57.6% of his 243 pass attempts, threw interceptions on nearly 5% of those attempts and took 27 sacks for 149 cumulative yards lost. McCarthy also missed seven games while dealing with various injuries: a high ankle sprain, a concussion and a hand injury.

Another one of McCarthy's biggest issues was failing to get and stay on the same page as star receiver Justin Jefferson , who finished the year with career lows in receiving yards (1,048) and touchdowns (2) despite playing in every game. Jefferson missed the Pro Bowl for the second time in his career in 2025, two years after he missed seven games with a hamstring injury and failed to earn an all-star nod.

Making matters worse for McCarthy was the success of his predecessor, Darnold, who had another strong season in his first year away from Minnesota. As Darnold and the Seahawks won 14 games en route to the No. 1 seed in the NFC and a Super Bowl title, McCarthy and the Vikings missed the playoffs with a 9-8 record.

O'Connell has been clear so far this offseason in his intention for the Vikings to add another quarterback to compete with McCarthy for the starting job. Provided the team clear up cap space, veteran free agent options include Malik Willis , Aaron Rodgers and Daniel Jones – the latter two of whom Minnesota reportedly courted last offseason. There are also a few names that could be available in trades: Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray , 49ers backup Mac Jones and Falcons backup – and former Viking – Kirk Cousins .

Minnesota could also turn to the draft to address its quarterback concerns, although this year's quarterback class is not without its own level of uncertainty. Outside of presumed No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy and national championship winner from Indiana, there aren't any other clear-cut NFL starters among college prospects.

McCarthy could still wind up with the starting job in Minnesota by Week 1 of the 2026 season, but the Vikings are going to make sure he earns it with more significant competition than Sam Howell and Max Brosmer .

KIRK COUSINS LANDING SPOTS: Vikings, Steelers among best fits for QB

Is Kevin O'Connell's seat warming up?

One year ago, this question might have sounded preposterous. O'Connell had just led the Vikings to their first 14-win season since the turn of the century.

From the outside, O'Connell appeared to adapt his offensive scheme to fit around Darnold, who entered 2024 as a presumed backup following McCarthy's selection as a top-10 draft pick. Darnold had the best season of his career to that point, throwing for more than 4,000 yards and winning 14 times while starting all 17 games – something he had never done in his six prior years as a pro. The Vikings' head coach won the AP Coach of the Year award for his efforts.

But as O'Connell enters his fifth season as Minnesota's head coach, he does so still without a playoff win. The Vikings have made the postseason twice during his tenure and lost in the wild-card round both times, including at home to a nine-win Giants team after the 2022 season.

The Vikings' decision to fire Adofo-Mensah while retaining O'Connell suggested both that the head coach is safe for now, but that patience may be running out. Since O'Connell enters this offseason with (presumably) more power in personnel decisions, how the Vikings rebuild their roster, figure out their quarterback situation and ultimately perform on the field in 2026 will all be crucial in determining his future.

Who will be the Vikings' next general manager?

Brzezinski has the chance to take Minnesota's general manager job and run with it. As the Vikings face an offseason full of potential challenges, the job Brzezinski does as interim GM could be enough to convince ownership that he deserves the full-time role.

If the earlier four questions on this list were any indication, that won't be an easy task. Negotiating the salary cap situation and improving Minnesota's draft acumen after years of poor draft classes are two huge tests early on. Throwing in a shaky quarterback situation with no certain solutions while coming off of a disappointing season does not make things any easier on Brzezinski. If he hits a home run with a strong offseason, the full-time job should be his.

Otherwise, the Vikings will need to look elsewhere. They've stuck themselves with a bit of a front office mess by delaying Adofo-Mensah's firing, leaving Minnesota a step behind the Dolphins and Falcons, the two other teams that already replaced their general manager this offseason.

Among the remaining outside candidates is 49ers director of scouting and football operations Josh Williams, whom the Falcons and Dolphins both interviewed before going in a different direction. The Jaguars also interviewed Williams last offseason before hiring James Gladstone for their open GM spot. Williams has risen up the ranks in San Francisco 's front office since joining its scouting department in 2011 and would be a first-time GM.

Another possible candidate is John McKay, the Rams' assistant general manager, who interviewed for the Dolphins job. McKay has been in Los Angeles since 2016 and would have been a member of the front office while O'Connell was still on the Rams' coaching staff. He would also be a first-time GM.

More veteran GM options could include Joe Douglas, the former Jets GM who interviewed with the Falcons this offseason, or Champ Kelly, who has served as an interim general manager with both the Raiders and Dolphins.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 5 questions about Vikings' offseason plans we want answered

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NFL Week 9 instant reactions

See Sam Darnold celebrate Seahawks win in Super Bowl 60

See Sam Darnold celebrate Seahawks win in Super Bowl 60

See Sam Darnold celebrate Seahawks win in Super Bowl 60

See Sam Darnold celebrate Seahawks win in Super Bowl 60

See Sam Darnold celebrate Seahawks win in Super Bowl 60

See Sam Darnold celebrate Seahawks win in Super Bowl 60

See Sam Darnold celebrate Seahawks win in Super Bowl 60

See Sam Darnold celebrate Seahawks win in Super Bowl 60

See Sam Darnold celebrate Seahawks win in Super Bowl 60

See Sam Darnold celebrate Seahawks win in Super Bowl 60

How are the Vikings handling free agency and the draft?

How will the Vikings get under the salary cap?

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

J.J. McCarthy: Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Michigan football national champion

Who will quarterback the 2026 Vikings?

Is Kevin O'Connell's seat warming up?

Who will be the Vikings' next general manager?