Kevin O'Connell hints Kirk Cousins' Vikings stay won't extend beyond 2023

"My goal is for 2023 to be one of the best seasons of his career..."

Author:
Jonathan Harrison
Updated:
Mar 28, 2023 12:40 PM EDT
Original:
Mar 28, 2023

Amid mounting speculation that the Vikings are looking at the future of the quarterback position, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell isn't exactly shouting from the mountain tops for the Vikings to extend Kirk Cousins' stay in Minnesota.

Kevin O'Connell was speaking with reporters at Tuesday's NFC coaches breakfast and was asked about Cousins seemingly playing out the final year of his contract this season.

"I'm just excited for year two for him in this offseason ... My goal is for 2023 to be one of the best seasons of his career and when that happens it's going to be a great thing for the Vikings."

A diplomatic answer, for sure, but as far as endorsements for wanting a quarterback to stick around after his contract runs out ... it's certainly not a ringing one. O'Connell's decision to focus solely on 2023 and nothing beyond is another indication that the Vikings are assessing their options at QB.

It also comes hot on the heels of a report that the Vikings turned down the opportunity to extend Cousins for three years, before doing a cap conversion on his contract to reduce his cap hit in 2023.

Over the past few weeks the Vikings have been linked with Lamar Jackson, Hendon Hooker, and Will Levis as they look for who comes after Cousins, who will be 35 by the time the 2023 season kicks off.

Of course that could all change if Cousins leads O'Connell's Vikings to another stellar regular season coupled with – this time – a deep playoff run.