Kwesi Adofo-Mensah labels Vikings' strategy as a 'competitive rebuild'

Under Vikings co-owner Mark Wilf's "super competitive" edict for the 2022 season, General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has been toeing the line of crafting a playoff-caliber roster while also putting the new leadership's stamp on the franchise.

So far, that means not much of an overhaul despite attempts to gauge trade interest on high-profile starters. Quarterback Kirk Cousins' contract was extended for another year for salary cap space. Nose tackle Michael Pierce was the lone starter released, while the free-agent signings of linebacker Jordan Hicks and edge rusher Za'Darius Smith likely mean free-agent linebacker Anthony Barr is not coming back.

The direction was labeled a "competitive rebuild" by Adofo-Mensah, who fielded questions from local reporters Wednesday for the first time since the roster moves began.

https://www.startribune.com/vikings-gm-kwesi-adofo-mensah-competitive-rebuild-free-agency/600158783/