The Minnesota Vikings' search for a new general manager is officially underway, but one of the most intriguing candidates has already taken his name out of the running.

Following the somewhat surprising dismissal of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah three weeks after the season ended, the Vikings have hired an external search firm to conduct the hunt for his replacement. Unlike the public interview process of four years ago, this search will be kept strictly behind closed doors.

However, Denver Broncos general manager George Paton won't be on the list of interviewees. The former Vikings assistant executive—who spent over a decade in the Twin Cities under Rick Spielman—has signed a contract extension with the Broncos, keeping him in Denver through the 2030 season.

Paton's name had surfaced in early Vikings GM rumors after his previous contract was set to expire, but the 56-year-old ultimately decided to stay put. It remains unclear if either side ever seriously entertained a reunion.

Since leaving Minnesota for the Broncos' top job in 2021, Paton has overseen a significant roster overhaul in Denver. Landing head coach Sean Payton three years ago was a major coup, and Paton's draft record has been a mixed bag but includes some real gems—none bigger than All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain II.

The Athletic's Nick Kosmider noted that "Broncos draft picks during Paton's tenure have earned a combined nine Pro Bowl berths and five first-team All-Pro honors," with five of his selections since 2021 signing second contracts with the team.

Of course, Paton's résumé isn't spotless. The blockbuster trade for quarterback Russell Wilson in 2022—sending Seattle five draft picks, including first-rounders in 2022 and 2023—netted just 11 wins before the experiment fizzled out. But for a Vikings team looking to build on its promising young core, Paton's track record of finding impact talent would have made for an interesting conversation.

For now, Minnesota's GM search continues—and the next candidate might want to keep their phone handy.