But Minnesota watched as Cam Newton, Jake Locker, and Blaine Gabbert flew off the board. Vikings Kevin O'Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah have a long to-do list One thing I know, [Cousins] is good enough. One thing he knows is that no matter how many As he got in a survey or wins he posted as a first-year coach, that doesnt mean they can do it all again the same way and get the same results. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. Different quarterbacks require different things around them but we know for sure that [Cousins] meets that threshold. He believes he's the best receiver in football -- I happen to agree with him -- and a lot goes with that. And trading him post June 1 would save the team $35 million of that against their cap. The Vikings need to clear $23 million of 2023 salary to get under the cap. Minnesotas approach to their franchise quarterback seems much more scientific. But in Kevin OConnells case on Wednesday, he was able to beam about the Vikings culture after an NFL Players Association survey showed proof that he made good on the cultural promises he made at the last NFL Combine. INDIANAPOLIS -- Justin Jefferson led the NFL in receiving yards and receptions in 2022 while averaging 106.4 yards per game. Behind The Scenes of Kevin O'Connell's Media Day at The Combine If not, they could ride Cousins another year and try their luck to acquire their guy in 2024. Vikings, Cousins agree to 1-year, $35M contract extension I think that's where we want to go eventually," Adofo-Mensah continued. . The Dallas Cowboys will place the franchise tag on running back Tony Pollard if the two sides cannot reach a long-term deal before March 7's deadline, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Friday, per sources. Aside from the quarterback situation which is like talking about building a house and saying other than the ground it stands on the Vikings will also consider the wants/needs/system of Brian Flores as they look for improvement on defense. But theres a foundation of care., OConnell said the conversations with Cousins are ongoing., Its not like theres some secret thing going on, OConnell said. "And then, sure enough, she ended up in the same place. Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah on the futures of Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson. At the same time, proud of what they've accomplished this year and look forward to the first day of the offseason program, when we get those guys back in here.". O'Connell and the Rams are coming off a victory in Super Bowl LVI against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Kevin O'Connell Contract Breakdowns, Salary Cap Figures, Salaries Florida's Anthony Richardson, one of the draft's most intriguing QB prospects, told reporters on Friday that in high school he modeled his game after two notable passers: Cam Newton and Lamar Jackson. When you have the receiver that leads the league in yards and receptions and have three other guys with 60-plus, you feel really strongly about that group, and I still think that theres places to go where we can build upon it even more, OConnell mentioned about Justin Jefferson and his wide receiving corps. Aug 30 2009 Released by New England. "Unbelievable talent. Kevin O'Connell who is one of the richest football quarterbacks has an estimated net worth of $5 million. O'Connell is the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, so he can't officially become the Vikings' new head coach until after the Super Bowl. O'Connell played quarterback at San Diego State University, and was selected by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. The Minnesota Vikings announced Wednesday that Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O'Connell has been hired as the 10th head coach in franchise history. We want to be there consistently with the chance to win it.". Rams OC Kevin O'Connell Finalizes Contract to Become Vikings Head Coach The Minnesota Vikings have made the hiring of Kevin O'Connell as their new head coach official by sharing the news on social media. These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. During the 2018 season, O'Connell was tasked with getting three different quarterbacks (Josh Johnson, Colt McCoy and Mark Sanchez) up to speed following a devastating injury to starting QB Alex Smith. Before his NFL career ended in 2012, O'Connell spent time with the Miami Dolphins, a second-stint with the Jets and the San Diego Chargers. What I was really impressed with Justin this year was the leadership, the next step. Sources: O'Connell finalizing contract with Vikings - KUSA.com O'Connell coached QB Kirk Cousins in 2017, helping him throw for more than 4,000 yards and 27 touchdowns, and record a career-high 342 rushing yards and a league-leading four game-winning drives. "Very thankful for him in Year 1 and really looking forward to seeing him growing both as a leader and continued dominance at the receiver position.". Kevin O'Connell believes Vikings are really good and have an 'elite' QB New Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell, some two weeks after reaching an agreement with the club to replace Mike Zimmer, can finally wear some purple. Its just not possible when sitting $24 million over the cap (per OverTheCap.com) to bring all the veterans back. Linebacker Eric Kendricks referred to a fear-based culture in a conference call after the former HC and GM were let go and players acknowledged meeting with ownership in which they asked for improvements in the overall environment. If I demand our team to improve in certain areas, OConnell said, Ive got to do the things we need to do as a staff.. O'Connell led the Vikings to a 134 record on the season, tying Matt LaFleur and Jim Harbaugh for the second-most wins for a rookie head coach in NFL history. The Raiders plan to place the franchise tag on running back Josh Jacobs if the sides cannot come to a deal on a long-term extension by Tuesday's deadline, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported Friday. Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell spoke at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine on Wednesday, March 1, and he shed a little bit of light on what the team's goals are for the offseason. Really excited about Lewis and his mental growth through how he handled the adversity of that injury, OConnell said. No cards were shown when OConnell was asked about Flores and the cornerback position as it pertains to the draft but it would appear that Flores will be looking for players with flexibility, whether thats in terms of position or skill set. Vikings finalize hire of champion Rams OC Kevin O'Connell Minnesota Vikings' Kevin O'Connell 'excited to coach' Kirk Cousins in If not, they have the luxury of having Cousins to buy more time. Under O'Connell, Rams quarterbacks have thrown for 1,517 passing yards (third in NFL), 11 touchdowns (fourth in NFL) and a 106.4 passer rating in playoff games (second in NFL). Adofo-Mensah admitted his elevation to GM brought him more exposure to the human elements than when he was advancing through the research-and-development departments with the 49ers and Browns. So, well see what happens.. Craig Peters. "He understands what is critical to leading a team that wins at the highest level, and he has an ability to simplify the complex, which will help us in problem-solving in all football areas. The Vikings left the Zimmer-Spielman era in desperate need of improved morale. The Minnesota Vikings named Kevin O'Connell as the 10th head coach in franchise history on Feb. 16, 2022. Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell and his wife Leah welcomed their fourth child to the family on Friday night, . One of those decisions involves quarterback Kirk Cousins. These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. O'Connell was claimed off waivers by the Jets on September 4, 2011.[16]. The last remaining head coach opening in the NFL has been filled. So how will he balance the desire to maximize the benefits of the culture, keep the players who helped him implement it and improve on last season while dealing with the facts of life in a salary cap league? Partnered with the USA TODAY Sports Media Group|Powered by, Signed a 1 year contract with Miami (MIA), Resigned a 2 year $1.25 million contract with New York (NYJ), Traded to NYJ from Detroit for a conditional draft pick, Signed a 4 year $2.46 million contract with New England (NE), Drafted by New England (NE): Round 3 (#94 overall). Kevin will tease me about that sometimes. I believe in him as a player.. Its a path that could eventually lead to another extension for Cousins, but the Vikings are doing their diligence to find Mr. [24] In O'Connell's second season with the Rams, their offense ranked 2nd best in receiving touchdowns (41), 5th highest in total yards (4,893), 8th best in total touchdowns (63), and the team won Super Bowl LVI (defeating the Cincinnati Bengals, 2320). Spielman tried his hand at it, scouting Carson Strong and praising Malik Willis response to an overrated chant one year ago. Wide receiver Adam Thielens cap number and age (32) present another complicated decision, and OConnell is mindful of the many factors. Here are five things to know. [20], On January 20, 2017, O'Connell was hired as the Washington Redskins' quarterbacks coach, working under head coach Jay Gruden. To say I'm excited about coaching Justin for a really long time is an understatement.". If Levis or Richardson is the type of quarterback that answers those questions, the Vikings will likely do their best to move up. They needed more receivers on the field. As a four-year captain at San Diego State, O'Connell finished his career after appearing in 40 games while ranking third in completions (664), fourth in passing yards (7,689) and fifth in passing touchdowns (46) in school history. Even as other quarterbacks such as Willis, Desmond Ridder, and Sam Howell were there in the latest rounds of the draft, the Vikings didnt pull the trigger. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. Some believe that is too rich for an aging playmaker and have subsequently speculated about Thielens fate in 2023. Right comes along. "Now, we've got to all the last phase of that is the accountability to each other, to make sure that that standard is championship worthy, and we're putting ourselves in that conversation to a man and to a woman in this building that we're looking at each other and asking ourselves the question, 'With everything we do, is it championship worthy? He had been placed on the injured reserve list. With their limited salary cap . Vikings Kevin O'Connell: Takeaways from NFL Scouting Combine presser "He has a tremendous football IQ and is passionate about preparing, developing and communicating with his players. They were together in Washington and grew their connection this season as the veteran QB led eight game-winning drives, won the division for the first time since arriving in Minnesota and put together one of his best games in the playoffs vs. the Giants. Meetings with general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and executive vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski have helped OConnell in this regard. He reiterated that he is proud of the way Cousins played in 2022 and is looking forward to seeing the 34-year-old build on things in 2023. Anchored by T Andrew Whitworth, the oldest offensive lineman in the NFL, the Rams offensive line only allowed 56 sacks in the two years O'Connell was in Los Angeles, which was good for the seventh-fewest among NFL clubs. There was a mixed reaction to that pick. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. How do you build the rest of the team? Adofo-Mensah asked. One of the last times I spoke with you [after roster reductions to 53], I was up here, and I think someone told me my appearance was a little more dour than it normally is and that was because that was two emotional days of having to tell people no and having to say, 'Your dream is stopped for the day.' Right. Scouting Combine live updates Top 150 free agents Beat writer . Finding a suitable compromise appears to be the current strategy. Armando Salguero: Kevin O'Connell Believes Vikings Are Really - OutKick With Cousins in his mid-30s, the Vikings need to figure out a succession plan at quarterback. Weve got some real decisions to talk through and things to work through, OConnell said. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. That, more than anything, is what OConnell wants to eliminate. Login Here. New Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said he is "excited to coach" quarterback Kirk Cousins in 2022 and is "anticipating" him being a part of the team's plans. He and Adofo-Mensah greet each prospect when they enter the room both to establish their culture of care and provide other Vikings staffers in the room a glimpse at the players size. The 2020 Rams offense featured the 10th-ranked rushing attack, posting 126.1 yards per game on the ground, behind two 600-plus rushing seasons from RB Cam Akers and RB Darrell Henderson. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott's cap hit might be rising in 2023, but owner Jerry Jones believes his quarterback has the ability to bridge the gap in any talent the roster might lose because of it. Thats because talking about culture is a good way to spend time talking about anything else other than upcoming decisions, draft philosophies, scheme changes etc. Kevin O'Connell (American football) - Wikipedia A significant part of the positive culture was OConnell and Cousins working together in lockstep. At first, Adofo-Mensah makes it sound like Cousins is the NFLs version of microwaving Chinese leftovers at midnight. The Vikings Will Benefit From Their Revamped Team Culture, Theres One Ideal Way To Deal With Danielle Hunters Contract. Brad Childress urged Minnesota to draft Tarvaris Jackson upon his arrival in the 2006, and then recruited Brett Favre as an act of desperation to lead the Vikings to the NFC Championship Game. OConnell explained Wednesday that that process ranged from reviewing game-management decisions to gauging his teams success in various schemes and plays. Because we respect your right to privacy, you can choose not to allow some types of cookies. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. However, there is no mistaking the reality. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. We always have to be evaluating, OConnell said. O'Connell also helped the Rams offense tie for seventh in scoring offense (27.1 points per game) and score on 45.9% of their offensive drives, which ranked third in the NFL behind the Kansas City Chiefs (48.2) and New England Patriots (48.0). ", "We've shown that we have a culture and an ability to do those things at a really high level," Adofo-Mensah said. Predictability, then, provides comfort to defenses. OConnell also referenced fair compensation for his players at the NFL Combine, perhaps a nod to Thielens current contract and how it fits within Minnesotas free-agent navigability. O'Connell won his first game as head coach against the Green Bay Packers in Week 1 of the 2022 season by a score of 237.