The Minnesota Vikings are now 6-2 after the Buffalo Bills defeated them 23-6 on Monday Night Football. Their defense held up as long as it could, but Josh Allen and James Cook eventually broke through. Vikings’ QB Carson Wentz was pretty horrible, and star receiver Justin Jefferson was visibly frustrated.
They still have a good record and still got a great chance to make the playoffs. Minnesota has a glaring quarterback issue, and head coach Kevin O’Connell hasn’t been able to get the most out of Carson Wentz or Kyler Murray.
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ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith weighed in on the job Kevin O’Connell’s has done and whether Jefferson should demand a trade.
MORE: Vikings have quarterback problem without real solution
What did Stephen A. Smith have to say about the Vikings?
Sep 27, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) looks on during warmups prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Stephen A. Smith isn’t afraid to go after someone and give a hot take. Well, he did that on First Take this morning. He had this to say about Justin Jefferson and Kevin O’Connell:
It’s awful. It’s really, really awful. And I’m going to say this. Listen, Justin Jefferson, fellas, Shea, this man should ask to be traded. If you’re Kevin O’Connell… I’m talking to Kevin O’Connell, the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings. You’re lucky Justin Jefferson even talks to you. Seriously. Because what he has done to this man’s career, I’m holding him responsible. I’m holding ownership responsible”
The Vikings are wasting an insanely good defense and a generational wide receiver. Jefferson has 31 receptions for 389 yards and four touchdowns. Who knows what those numbers would be like if he had a somewhat competent quarterback.
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Smith is right that O’Connell hasn’t done a good enough job developing quarterbacks, and the decision-makers on roster moves have failed Jefferson by not providing somewhat decent quarterback play.
What moves could the Vikings make at the trade deadline?
Kirk Cousins | David Berding/GettyImages
The Vikings have made it clear they’re looking to bring in a veteran quarterback like Kirk Cousins or Daniel Jones to make the most of this season. The trade deadline is at 4 p.m. ET today!
Reuniting Cousins and O’Connell makes the most sense because of their history together. The duo wouldn’t be starting from scratch, and the Las Vegas Raiders‘ QB knows how to play with a star wideout like Jefferson.
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Minnesota won’t be trading Jefferson, but it will be a spicy talking point once this season comes to a close.
MORE: Vikings trade rumor from ESPN could lead to deal with Raiders or Colts
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