National Site Drops Offseason Praise on Kevin O’Connell
The Minnesota Vikings brought to life a busy offseason in 2025, promoting quarterback J.J. McCarthy to the big job, building the trenches at a level not seen by fans in years, and adding offensive playmakers like Jordan Mason, Tai Felton, and Rondale Moore.
CBS Sports named Kevin O’Connell’s contract extension with the Vikings in high offseason regard. And that’s pretty fantastic.
But none quite take the cake like Kevin O’Connell’s contract extension, according to CBS Sports.
Cody Benjamin at that website named the best offseason move for each NFL team last week, and O’Connell got the nod in Minnesota.
Best Offseason Move for the Vikings? CBS Sports Says Kevin O’Connell’s Extension
Every team received love from Benjamin, and the Vikings were not excluded.
He wrote regarding Minnesota, “Extending Kevin O’Connell. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah also deserved his new contract as the forward-thinking whiz of their operation, but it’s O’Connell’s unflappable demeanor that really steadies the ship in Minnesota.”
“He’s maximized every quarterback to throw a pass under his watch, which bodes well for J.J. McCarthy, who’s also got an elite supporting cast. Only a brutal 2025 schedule might slow them down.”
Most coach contracts are shrouded in mystery, but the working theory is that O’Connell is now attached to Minnesota through the end of 2029, and his deal is said to be worth $12 million to $13 million per season.
The Criteria
Here’s how Benjamin defined his offseason move criteria: “The 2025 NFL offseason isn’t over yet. In fact, in some ways, it’s just getting started. Splashy veteran additions, whether via trade or free agency, are finally hitting the field with new teams.”
“First-time head coaches and incoming rookies are settling into their own new gigs, hoping to carve out winning habits this spring. With minicamps and training camps around the corner, however, we at least have some sense of how all 32 teams will look come September. A few more blockbuster deals may yet arrive. A slew of intense camp battles are sure to unfold.”
A “coach trade rumor mill” actually sprang up regarding O’Connell in early January, so Minnesota’s ownership was quick to extend O’Connell when the 2024 season ended.
Benjamin added, “Most starting lineups are pretty much established, though, which means it’s a fair time to review the offseason’s biggest moves. Which signings, trades, draft picks and staffing changes register as the best of the best across the conference? Here are our favorite picks for each team as we head into the summer.”
CBS Sports says O’Connell’s deal bests any offseason move in 2025, even topping player acquisitions.
Kevin O’Connell Extension a No-Brainer
While Benjamin may not be wrong about the impactful O’Connell extension, his deal was a complete no-brainer. Since he arrived in the Twin Cities, Minnesota has the NFL’s sixth-best record per win percentage. And he’s done so as his boss, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, totally rebuilt the roster on the fly via a “competitive rebuild.”
Moreover, O’Connell has been coined a “quarterback whisperer” by national NFL media, so there was just no way the Mark and Zygi Wilf would let O’Connell depart the franchise.
It was all a matter of when, and the Wilfs took care of O’Connell soon after the team lost in the postseason to the Los Angeles Rams.
Overseeing J.J. McCarthy’s Entire Rookie Contract
With O’Connell’s extension in the bag, he will now oversee all of J.J. McCarthy’s rookie contract, Minnesota’s one big hope to capitalize on a Super Bowl-caliber depth chart.
McCarthy tore his meniscus last August in his first-ever preseason game, a buzzkill like no other for purple fans. He’s back now, though, and the aforementioned Adofo-Mensah has constructed a fabulous roster for support.
It’s the O’Connell and McCarthy show for at least the next four years.
Other Top Offseason Moves?
For other applaudable Minnesota offseason moves, take your pick — free agency and the draft were that notable for Adofo-Mensah.
The Vikings signed two new defensive tackles, Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, after years of largely ignoring the position. The organization also nailed offensive line repair, adding free-agent newcomers Will Fries and Ryan Kelly, in addition to drafting Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson in Round 1.
Those five moves would probably register on most fans’ radar.
Benjamin said about the Vikings’ foremost rival, the Packers’ top offseason move: “Drafting Matthew Golden. There’s no denying the fun factor of the Packers waiting until the draft was in Green Bay to break a more-than-20-year streak of forgoing first-round wide receiver picks.”
“Golden’s addition is also just a smart play after Jordan Love’s pass catching corps was almost entirely depleted by injuries in 2024. Fellow rookie Savion Williams should also give the club added depth and versatility there.”
The Vikings’ first regular season game is 12 weeks away.
You must be logged in to post a comment.