Things are trending up in Cleveland - and fast.
With the Browns locking in Todd Monken as their new head coach and the initial skepticism around that hire starting to fade, general manager Andrew Berry might be on the verge of another big win. A familiar face could soon be returning to Berea: former Browns executive and recently ousted Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.
In a classic midday Friday move, the Minnesota Vikings announced they were parting ways with Adofo-Mensah, who had been leading their front office since 2022. Before that, he spent two years in Cleveland as Berry’s right-hand man, serving as VP of football operations. And while his run in Minnesota had its share of bumps, there’s no denying the value he could bring back to the Browns’ front office.
Berry has long been a vocal supporter of Adofo-Mensah’s football acumen. When Kwesi left for the Vikings job, Berry praised his former colleague’s ability to handle every aspect of the personnel game - from grinding tape and making school visits to steering the ship in free agency and draft meetings.
“There was no governor on Kwesi,” Berry said at the time. “You push him off to the deep end, and he very quickly learned how to swim.”
That kind of versatility and trust doesn’t just vanish, and with the Browns coming off a coaching search that lasted more than three weeks, the timing here is intriguing. Adding an experienced executive like Adofo-Mensah - someone who already knows the culture, the process, and the expectations in Cleveland - could be a savvy move for a team looking to build sustainable success.
Now, let’s not sugarcoat what went down in Minnesota. Vikings fans have every right to question Adofo-Mensah’s draft record.
His 2022 draft class was especially rough, yielding just two players still on the roster: backup running back Ty Chandler and WR3 Jalen Nailor. That’s not the kind of return you want from an entire draft haul.
The following drafts were a bit more productive. He found some solid contributors - wide receiver Jordan Addison, kicker Will Reichard, edge rusher Dallas Turner, and guard Donovan Jackson - but also swung and missed on a few key picks.
Third-rounders like cornerback Mekhi Blackmon and wideout Tai Felton never panned out, and the decision to spend the No. 10 overall pick in 2024 on quarterback J.J. McCarthy ultimately sealed his fate.
The Vikings went all-in on McCarthy, passing on veteran options like Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones, and Aaron Rodgers in free agency. They also shelled out nearly $270 million on new contracts - second only to the Patriots, who are now heading to Super Bowl LX to face Darnold and the Seahawks.
That’s a tough pill to swallow.
Still, Adofo-Mensah had a knack for finding value in the margins. He consistently unearthed talent after the draft and in free agency - players like linebacker Ivan Pace Jr., defensive tackle Jalen Redmond, return man Myles Price, and punter Ryan Wright all made meaningful contributions in 2025. Even in a down year, the Vikings stayed competitive, finishing 9-8 but just missing the playoffs.
So while his tenure in Minnesota wasn’t without its missteps, it wasn’t without merit either. Adofo-Mensah’s analytical approach, eye for undervalued talent, and familiarity with Berry’s system make him an ideal candidate to slide back into a senior role in Cleveland’s front office. Whether it’s as an advisor or something more formal, there’s a clear path for him to help the Browns continue building on what they’ve started.
Berry and the Browns are in a pivotal moment - new coach, evolving roster, and a fan base hungry for a deep playoff run. Bringing back a trusted voice like Adofo-Mensah could be the kind of behind-the-scenes move that pays dividends when it matters most.