Vikings hiring much-maligned ex-Bears GM

The Minnesota Vikings hired Nolan Teasley as their new general manager just a couple of weeks ago. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s replacement has quickly gotten to work rebuilding not only the roster but the team’s front office. Four members of the previous front office have already been cleared out, and he has hired two new assistant general managers.

Furthermore, Ryan Pace was hired as a football advisor, and Azzaam Kapadia was brought in as an assistant director of pro scouting. The Pace addition, in particular, is notable because he was highly scrutinized during his tenure as the Chicago Bears general manager. While Pace was in Chicago from 2015 to 2021, the Bears struggled mightily. Pace notably missed on numerous draft picks, including first-round quarterback selections Justin Fields and Mitch Trubisky.

After his 2021 firing, Pace landed on his feet with the Atlanta Falcons. He has worked in numerous roles with the team, including as a senior personnel executive, the director of player personnel, and as the vice president of football operations and player personnel. While Pace struggled during his time with the Bears, Teasley clearly admires his experience.

Prior to working for the Bears, Pace spent 2001 to 2014 with the New Orleans Saints, where he worked his way up from operations assistant to director of player personnel. Pace will help Teasley make some tough roster decisions going forward. The Vikings have some of the most talented players in the league. Most notably, Justin Jefferson is arguably the best receiver in the NFL. There are also question marks on the roster, including surrounding the quarterback position. Kyler Murray was brought in to compete with J.J. McCarthy at the position. Murray is a former number one overall pick who flopped with the Arizona Cardinals, and McCarthy has looked like a draft bust since he was drafted in the first round two years ago.