Vikings hire Browns' Adofo-Mensah as new GM

The Minnesota Vikings hired Cleveland Browns vice president of football operations Kwesi Adofo-Mensah as their next general manager, the team announced Wednesday.

"There is so much to appreciate about this organization - an existing nucleus of talent on the roster, top-notch facilities, passionate fans, and smart people throughout the building who are committed to winning," Adofo-Mensah said in a statement.

"I look forward to partnering with our next head coach and our entire football operations staff to begin our work of bringing a Super Bowl to Vikings fans."

Adofo-Mensah will ink a four-year deal worth $12 million, according to NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe.

The 40-year-old will replace longtime GM Rick Spielman, whom Minnesota fired Jan. 10 after 16 seasons with the club.

Adofo-Mensah became the front-runner for the job Tuesday after Kansas City Chiefs executive Ryan Poles, who also had a second interview with the Vikings, agreed to join the Chicago Bears.

Cleveland hired Adofo-Mensah from the San Francisco 49ers in 2020. He spent seven seasons with the Niners, including two years as director of football research and development.

The Browns will receive third-round picks in 2022 and 2023 as a result of the move, according to Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal. NFL teams that lose a minority coach or executive to a head coach or general manager job receive third-round compensatory picks for two consecutive years.

Adofo-Mensah's first task in Minnesota will be finding a head coach to replace Mike Zimmer.

The Vikings, who own the 12th overall pick in the 2022 draft, haven't had a winning season since 2019 and posted a 15-18 record over the last two years.