Vikings' O'Connell expects Cousins to return: 'I'm excited to coach him'

The Minnesota Vikings are beginning a new era under head coach Kevin O'Connell, but they won't be looking to make a change at quarterback.

At his introductory press conference Thursday, O'Connell said he's moving forward under the assumption Kirk Cousins will be under center in 2022.

"I know he's under contract and I'm excited to coach him," said O'Connell. "We've already started thinking about how we're going to build those systems for him.

"I'm anticipating Kirk being a part of what we're going to do," he added.

New Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah also said he expects Cousins to lead the team this upcoming season.

Cousins is entering the final year of his contract, and his $45-million cap hit is the third-highest in the NFL.

With Minnesota potentially facing a rebuild under its new regime, Cousins has been subject to trade rumors.

"I think Kirk's played at a very high level and he's done a lot of really good things throughout his career," said O'Connell.

The quarterback threw for over 4,000 yards and 30-plus touchdowns for the third time in four seasons with the NFC North club in 2021. However, Minnesota finished 8-9 and missed out on the playoffs for the third time during Cousins' tenure.

O'Connell, who won the Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams as their offensive coordinator, confirmed he will call plays for the Vikings, according to Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune.