Fire Kwesi, Trade Justin Jefferson, and 3 Other Buzzy Vikings Ideas
If you’re in Minnesota, the sky is falling.
The Vikings, now sitting at an ignoble 4-8 record, continue dropping to new lows. Very foolishly, onlookers believed that the quarterback play couldn’t get worse; folks, things can always get worse. With things being so bad, there are ideas out there about firing Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, moving on from Justin Jefferson, and other things that (very likely) won’t happen.
Fire Kwesi Adofo-Mensah & Other Nonsense Ideas
Idea #1 — The GM is Soon to be Fired (Rightfully So)
No doubt, Mr. Adofo-Mensah has had a 2025 to forget.
Signing DTs Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave hasn’t worked out. Pricey RG1 Will Fries hasn’t been elite. Trading away Harrison Phillips and trading for Adam Thielen has been regrettable. None of Aaron Jones, Byron Murphy, or Andrew Van Ginkel have performed as well as in 2024. Most concerning is the effort of J.J. McCarthy, someone offering remarkably poor play at quarterback. Failing to add legitimate competition for the QB1 was an awful oversight.
Nevertheless, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is going to stick around. The roster does have talent. The team does have flexibility moving forward (albeit less than a year ago). And, most importantly, Adofo-Mensah can be a good GM. He’ll remain employed as a Viking in 2026 (rightfully so).
Idea #2 — The Vikings Will Trade Justin Jefferson
Only if the 26-year-old superstar forces the issue. Even then, Jefferson will have a difficult time forcing his way out.
Minnesota’s WR1 hasn’t lost his ability. What he has lost, however, is a quarterback who can get him the ball. Stunningly, Carson Wentz — the journeyman backup signed in late August — has easily proven to be the best at unleashing Jefferson.
While that’s difficult for 2025, that’s sneaky good news for 2026. Signing at least an average veteran in March of 2026 will mean the return of a Jefferson who can easily produce. Basic competence means Jefferson will get back to being an All Pro.
Idea #3 — J.J. McCarthy is a Bust
Settle down.
The kid is 22 and has been injured a ton. The health (lack thereof) is the main problem at present. McCarthy needs to get and stay healthy. Afterwards, the young quarterback needs his oodles of athleticism, arm talent, work ethic, and determination to coalesce.
Before the final chapter is written in his NFL story, J.J. McCarthy is going to be a good player. Minnesota can’t be shortsighted by moving on after the current season.
Idea #4 — DC Brian Flores Has Lost his Fastball
Brian Flores bears some responsibility for the failings of 2025. He’s a leading coach, meaning he shares both praise and blame.
The reality, though, is that Coach Flores has been doing his part. The turnovers haven’t been there but his side of the ball is still playing respectably. Keep in mind, folks, that playing strong defense is very difficult with such an awful offense.
Look for Coach Flores to remain with the Vikings in 2026. Seeing him get stolen from the coaching staff would be unexpected given how the year has gone. Don’t be at all surprised if Flores coaches an excellent defense next season.
Idea #5 — The Vikings Will Have Zero Money to Add FA Talent
Less money than in 2024 and 2025? No doubt. No money at all? An overreaction.
Per Over the Cap, the debt pile sits at $36 million. The cap carryover alone is going to push that number down. So, too, could Minnesota find an easy amount of open room — north of $12 million — by cutting barely-available Ryan Kelly (I don’t mean that to sound cold; rather, an acknowledgement of what appears to likely be coming).
Forced to guess, the Vikings could very well end up around $20-$25 million in open room. Some of that is going to come through carryover and cuts. There’s then going to be extensions and restructures. And while a lot of will get used on the draft selections (read more), the Vikings could still get into the fun of free agency.
Finally, consider that Minnesota’s medium-to-low-level signings — corner Isaiah Rodgers, runner Jordan Mason (after the trade there was an extension), linebacker Eric Wilson, and so on — have proven to be the best signings from last year. Maybe that will prove true yet again as the Vikings search the bargain bin a touch more.
