The Minnesota Vikings are officially on the hunt for a new general manager, and the candidate list is taking shape. According to recent reports, the team has identified six external candidates for the vacancy, alongside one internal option.

This search comes after the Vikings made headlines earlier this offseason by parting ways with former GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. While the move raised eyebrows—especially given that the team had posted a 14-win season just a year prior—a disappointing 2025 campaign that ended without a playoff berth ultimately led to the change. Now, with the 2026 NFL Draft in the rearview mirror, the Vikings are ready to move forward with new leadership.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the external candidates include a mix of experienced front-office executives from around the league. Alongside them, Vikings executive vice president and current acting general manager Rob Brzezinski is also in the running for the permanent role. The list ensures the team is compliant with the Rooney Rule, which requires interviews with minority candidates.

Whoever steps into the GM chair will face a significant challenge: turning around a team that slipped from 14 wins and a playoff appearance in 2024 to a 9-8 record the following season. The most pressing issue lies under center. The Vikings made a splash by signing Kyler Murray, but that move has cast doubt on the future of former first-round pick J.J. McCarthy. If McCarthy is indeed on his way out and Murray doesn't prove to be the long-term answer, the new GM will be tasked with finding Minnesota's next franchise quarterback.

For a team with a passionate fanbase and a proud history, this decision could shape the Vikings' trajectory for years to come. As the interview process unfolds, all eyes will be on who ultimately takes the reins and begins the work of rebuilding a contender.