Steelers’ Andy Weidl Emerging as Serious Candidate for Vikings GM Opening
It’s not often you see a team make a front office shake-up this late in the NFL calendar, but that’s exactly what the Minnesota Vikings just did. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is out as general manager, ending a tenure that spanned from 2022 through the early days of 2026. Now, with one of the league’s more intriguing GM seats suddenly vacant, the ripple effects could reach all the way to Pittsburgh - and fast.
Enter Andy Weidl.
The Steelers’ assistant general manager is no stranger to the GM rumor mill. Over the years, he’s been connected to several openings, most recently interviewing for the Atlanta Falcons job. While he didn’t land that role, his name continues to surface as a prime candidate for a top front office position - and with good reason.
Weidl has built a reputation as a sharp football mind with a clear identity: build from the trenches, invest in physicality, and take a page from the Philadelphia Eagles’ blueprint. That’s not by accident.
He spent six seasons in Philly under Howie Roseman, helping construct one of the most consistently competitive rosters in the NFL. His time there left a clear imprint on his football philosophy, and it’s one the Steelers have leaned into since bringing him aboard.
Pittsburgh’s decision to hire Weidl wasn’t just about adding a smart executive - it was about shifting the team’s DNA. The Steelers wanted to get back to being a punishing team at the line of scrimmage, something they saw in Philadelphia’s recent success. Weidl, with his Eagles background and eye for talent in the trenches, fit that vision perfectly.
Now, the Vikings could be looking to tap into that same formula.
According to a report from Alec Lewis, Weidl is expected to be on the short list of candidates for Minnesota’s GM vacancy. It makes sense.
The Vikings have reportedly shown interest in replicating the Eagles’ team-building strategy, and Weidl’s résumé checks a lot of boxes. He’s got the pedigree, the experience, and the recent draft success to back it up.
His partnership with Steelers GM Omar Khan has already yielded promising results in Pittsburgh, particularly in last year’s draft, which drew praise for its focus, value, and physicality.
While Weidl didn’t land the Falcons job - which ultimately went to another former Eagles exec, Ian Cunningham - that outcome only reinforced how respected the Eagles’ front office tree is around the league. The fact that multiple teams are tapping into that pipeline speaks volumes about how the league views those executives.
For Pittsburgh fans, the idea of losing Weidl isn’t exactly welcome news. He’s a hometown guy, born and raised in Pittsburgh, and his impact on the Steelers’ front office has been noticeable. But if the Vikings come calling, that’s the kind of opportunity that’s hard to pass up - especially for someone still looking to land his first GM role.
The silver lining for the Steelers? Timing.
Reports suggest Minnesota may wait until after the NFL Draft to make their hire. That could be a crucial break for Pittsburgh.
Losing Weidl before the draft would be a major blow to their preparation and strategy, especially considering how involved he’s been in shaping the team’s recent roster moves. If the Vikings are willing to take their time, the Steelers might get through another draft cycle with their current brain trust intact.
Still, this is a situation worth monitoring. Weidl’s name continues to gain traction in front office circles, and it feels like only a matter of time before he gets his shot. Whether that’s in Minnesota or elsewhere, the Steelers may soon have to prepare for life without one of their top executives.