6 biggest takeaways from Kevin O’Connell’s introductory press conference

Kirk Cousins is under contract

It didn’t take very long for Kevin O’Connell to be asked about what his plan for Kirk Cousins is going to be moving forward.

When asked if he can say Cousins will definitely be the starting quarterback for the Vikings during the 2022 season, O’Connell responded by giving the following answer.

"“Well, I know he’s under contract, and I’m excited to coach him. We’ve already started thinking about how we’re going to build those systems for him, and our other quarterbacks, and really the tremendous skill group that we have, our guys up front. It takes all 11 to move the football on offense, to run it, to throw it, to score points in the red zone. But I’m anticipating Kirk being a part of what we do.”"

If someone were to ask your boss about your job status, and your boss responded by saying “I know he’s under contract,” would that make you feel good about your future with your current employer?

Probably not, right?

Yes, O’Connell has a history with Cousins, and while that was certainly a factor in Minnesota hiring him, he’s also someone who seems prepared to work with whoever will be starting under center for the team next season.

Will that end up being Cousins? Well, “he’s under contract,” with the Vikings right now. So until he’s no longer on the roster, he’s the guy that Minnesota will keep at the top of their quarterback depth chart.