Around this time a year ago, Kirk Cousins made the decision to move on from the Minnesota Vikings after six seasons and sign with the Atlanta Falcons. It was a choice that both parties felt was necessary at the time, but now, there’s a good chance that Cousins likely regrets his decision.

After he was benched by the Falcons midway through the 2024 campaign, there is a bunch of uncertainty surrounding the former Vikings quarterback about where he will be playing next season.

In a stunning move, Kevin O’Connell, head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, has secured a record-breaking contract extension with the team. The Vikings announced today that O’Connell has agreed to a five-year extension worth $12.5 million, locking him in as the franchise’s leader through the 2031 season.

This unprecedented deal comes as a surprise to many, as O’Connell’s previous contract was set to expire after the 2025 season. The extension, which is the largest ever for a Vikings head coach, underscores the team’s belief in O’Connell’s leadership and vision. Under his guidance, the Vikings have seen significant improvement, making the playoffs in his first season as head coach in 2022, and continuing to show promise in the 2023 season.

O’Connell, who took over the team in 2022 after serving as the Los Angeles Rams’ offensive coordinator, has been instrumental in revitalizing the Vikings’ offense. His offensive schemes have been lauded for their creativity, and his ability to develop quarterback Kirk Cousins has been a major factor in the team’s recent success. The Vikings finished the 2022 season with a 13-4 record, and while they faced challenges in the playoffs, the team has remained optimistic about the future under O’Connell’s leadership.

Speaking about the new deal, O’Connell expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to continue working with the team and fans, stating, “I’m honored to lead this incredible organization and am excited for what’s ahead. We’re building something special here, and I’m committed to delivering a championship to Minnesota.”

The record-breaking extension is a clear signal that the Vikings are fully invested in O’Connell’s future, as they aim to build a perennial contender in the NFC.

Minnesota Vikings fans are in shock and mourning after the announcement that quarterback Sam Darnold has been suspended indefinitely. The suspension has sent ripples through the Vikings fanbase, leaving many to express their disbelief and disappointment on social media and sports forums.

Darnold, who joined the Vikings this season as a backup quarterback, had been a promising figure in the team’s depth chart, showing impressive skill and leadership during preseason games. Fans had hoped he would provide valuable support to starting quarterback Kirk Cousins. However, news broke late Friday that the NFL had imposed a suspension on Darnold for an undisclosed violation of league policies.

While the specifics of Darnold’s suspension have not been revealed, the news has left many Vikings supporters heartbroken. “We wanted him back, and now this happens. It’s such a huge blow to the team,” said one disappointed fan on Twitter. Others echoed similar sentiments, expressing frustration over the timing of the suspension and its potential impact on the team’s upcoming games.

The Vikings organization has yet to release a formal statement on the matter, but it is expected that further details will come to light in the coming days. In the meantime, the team will likely look to their other backup quarterbacks to step up in Darnold’s absence, as the season continues.

For now, Vikings fans are left to ponder the future of their quarterback situation. Many hope that Darnold’s suspension will be temporary and that he will soon return to the field. However, with no clear timeline for his return, uncertainty looms over the team’s quarterback depth moving forward.

Like other notable players before him, Aaron Jones signed with the Minnesota Vikings when his tenure with the Green Bay Packers came to an end. Last year, Green Bay informed Jones that they wanted him to take a $4 million pay cut in order to stay with them after they signed Josh Jacobs in free agency. Since he had already taken a pay cut the year prior, the Packers’ third all-time leading rusher declined to do so again.

As a result, he was released.

Following his departure from Green Bay, Jones signed with the Vikings on a one-year $7 million contract, $1 million more than the Packers were willing to pay him.

And it turned out to be a good move for both parties.

After playing in just 11 games for the Packers in 2023, Jones started all 17 for the Vikings and proved to everyone that he was not done yet. In fact, he had one of the best seasons of his entire career.

Jones ended his first season in Minnesota with 255 carries for 1,138 rushing yards and five touchdowns. It was just the second time he eclipsed 1,100 yards in his career and was his highest rushing total in any year that he has played.

In addition, Jones added 51 receptions for 408 yards and two more touchdowns. His receptions total was the third-highest of his career and receiving yards total his second-best.

When the season ended, Jones was asked about 2025 and where he would like to play. He said then that his preference was to stay in Minnesota.

And he is getting his wish.

Earlier today, it was reported that Jones and the Vikings are in agreement on a two-year contract that is worth $20 million. He will be staying put.

Many fans were happy with this news while others expressed concern about his age and mileage on his legs already:

The Vikings have the opportunity to play internationally this season, with three of their road opponents—Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Chargers, and Pittsburgh Steelers—set to host games in London, São Paulo, and Dublin, respectively. The Vikings have a strong international record, remaining undefeated in four regular-season games in London. Fans and analysts are hopeful for another international appearance, with preferences leaning towards São Paulo or Dublin.

Trade Speculations

As the NFL Scouting Combine begins, trade rumors are intensifying. One notable speculation involves defensive end Myles Garrett potentially moving to the Vikings, which could significantly enhance their defense under coordinator Brian Flores.

Quarterback Situation

Discussions have emerged about quarterback Sam Darnold’s future with the Vikings. After a strong 2024 season, Darnold’s contract status is under scrutiny, with debates on whether the team will offer an extension or explore other options. Additionally, some suggest that Aaron Rodgers, having recently concluded his tenure with the New York Jets, could consider joining the Vikings, drawing parallels to Brett Favre’s career path.

Contract Updates

The Vikings have agreed with cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. to push back the void date on his contract, indicating potential plans for his future with the team.

Running Game Strategies

Analysts propose that the Vikings could improve their running game by adopting draft strategies similar to those of the Green Bay Packers, who have successfully identified and developed running back talent in recent years.

Coaching and Player Recognitions

Head coach Kevin O’Connell, defensive coordinator Brian Flores, and quarterback Sam Darnold have been named AP award finalists, reflecting the team’s strong performance during the 2024 season.

class: National Signing Day.

Prospects across the country will sign with the schools of their choice, with many set to enroll early for the spring semester. But there’s still plenty of excitement to come with commitments, flips and more unexpected news in the next few days.

On3 is providing wall-to-wall coverage with live updates, news, notes and the latest intel from our team of national and school-specific recruiting experts. Track the movement on the class rankings throughout the day on the On3 In7dustry Team