Could the New York Jets pull this off?
According to FOX Sports NFL insider Jay Glazer, multiple teams have expressed interest in trading for former Jets backup quarterback and current Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell.
“There are multiple teams that actually are considering trying to trade for Kevin O’Connell,” Glazer stated.
“And the reason why, next year, the last year of his deal, they’ve had no contract talks yet at all,” Glazer continued. “Look, if you’re a team out there, saying why not take a shot, see if we can do it. Maybe the Vikings don’t let it happen, but also, Kevin O’Connell kind of holds all the cards, thinking, hey, maybe I’m not going to re-sign there, so you might as well get something for me.”
However, the Vikings’ ownership seems to have different plans.
In an interview with the Minnesota Star-Tribune on Saturday, Vikings co-owner Mark Wilf revealed his plans to extend O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah this offseason, if possible.
“We’re looking forward to a great future with these guys,” Wilf said. “We look forward to having those conversations with each of them after the season. We have tremendous confidence, and we look forward to their continued leadership of the franchise.”
O’Connell, 39, is in his third season serving as the Minnesota Vikings’ head coach. Over his tenure, the Vikings have compiled a 34-17 (.667) record, including a 14-3 record this season. The former Jets backup quarterback is credited with facilitating the turnaround of another former Jets quarterback, Sam Darnold.
Ultimately, it is likely the Vikings will extend O’Connell this offseason, removing him from trade rumors. However, if Minnesota is seriously taking calls for O’Connell, the Jets should give up whatever it takes to land the offensive mastermind.
