Vikings Rumors: The T-Wolves Example, O’Connell’s Shot at History, & GM Jefferson
Though we’re now into the portion of the year when Vikings rumors aren’t as abundant, we’ll still be highlighting some of the purple rumblings.
The “Vikings Rumor Wrangle” is a series that keeps readers informed on what’s being whispered about in Vikings Land. In this iteration, we discuss how a Timberwolves star may foreshadow what’s to come for a Vikings star, Kevin O’Connell getting a chance to do something special, and the WR1’s opinion that carries weight.
The Vikings Rumors – 07.05.2023
Rumor #1 – The Large Anthony Edwards Deal Foreshadows the Large Justin Jefferson Deal
Over at Vikings Territory, Dustin Baker wonders aloud whether the Anthony Edwards deal will serve as the precursor to the Justin Jefferson deal.
“One mile away, Minnesota Vikings wideout Justin Jefferson plays a different sport,” Dustin explains, “and like Edwards, his contract extension could hit at any minute. But will it happen anytime soon? The short answer is yes, it probably will.”
The Jefferson extension is an area where Dustin and I are in agreement. Essentially, there’s no suspense on the matter. The WR1 has been open and honest about his desire to stick around. Meanwhile, the GM and HC have been effusive in their praise for Mr. Jefferson as they remain upbeat about keeping him around long term.
Edwards is the long-term cornerstone for the Timberwolves and Jefferson the long-term cornerstone for the Vikings. Both teams are in good hands.
Rumor #2 – Kevin O’Connell Has a Shot at Something Historic in 2023
He certainly does.
Bud Grant and Brad Childress. Very surprisingly, those are the only two Vikings head coaches to have put together consecutive division titles. Dennis Green was at the helm for a tremendous stretch of Vikings football, but he never accomplished the feat. Mike Zimmer fell short despite starting strong as Minnesota’s HC.
Coming off a 13-4 season and the NFC North crown in 2022, O’Connell will have a chance at the accomplishment in 2023. Childress was the last to have done so, leading his Vikings to divisional supremacy in 2008 and 2009.
The main obstacle? Apart from the torturous history of Vikings heartbreak that hovers like a dark, ominous cloud over the entire franchise, the Detroit Lions. Dan Campbell’s team is … actually good?
Strange times.
Rumor #3 – Justin Jefferson’s Opinion Matters in a Potential Kirk Cousins Contract
Hard to say with ironclad certainty, but the hints are present.
Not too long ago, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah noted that he loops the WR into conversations about where the franchise is heading. Ben Goessling of The Star Tribune offered the word: “One interesting note from Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah‘s side session with beat writers at the combine: He said the team will keep Justin Jefferson in its conversations about roster-building, adding, ‘He’s a unique enough player that I think that’s probably right.'”
Jefferson breaks records like it’s going out of style. His yardage totals are remarkable, even with the caveat that he’s functioning within an NFL that caters to passing. Who has been delivering the football during his still-young career? Mr. Kirk Cousins.
Paying top dollar for both QB and WR would be supremely difficult. However, moving on from the QB who has helped allow Jefferson to shine so brightly is potentially dangerous, especially if Jefferson indicates he wants Cousins back.
One wonders if #18 will put in a strong endorsement for #8 after the season concludes. The pair have strong on-field chemistry.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference helped with this piece.
