Justin Jefferson understands Kirk Cousins’ decision to leave the Minnesota Vikings in free agency this offseason and wasn’t entirely surprised by the move.
“Yeah and no,” Jefferson said Tuesday on the “Rich Eisen Show” when asked about Cousins’ departure. “I always knew Kirk was going to do whatever he needs to do for him business-wise. I just knew that everything wasn’t the way he wanted it to be here, especially just with having to pay me and having to pay so many other different guys. I feel like he just wanted a new start, a new opportunity to start with Atlanta and a clean slate.”
“I’m not mad at him at all for that,” Jefferson added.
Cousins joined the Atlanta Falcons, signing a four-year, $180-million contract. During his six seasons with the Vikings, Minnesota made two playoff appearances. Cousins passed for 23,265 yards, 171 touchdowns, and 55 interceptions, with a 67.9% completion rate. The four-time Pro Bowler is expected to lead the Falcons while 2024 first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. develops behind him on the depth chart.
The Vikings have multiple quarterback options for the upcoming season. Sam Darnold, a veteran quarterback, is on his third team in as many years after playing for the Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers. The Vikings also drafted rookie J.J. McCarthy with the 10th overall pick this spring. McCarthy is set to make his pro debut after leading Michigan to a national championship in his final collegiate year.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell indicated that Darnold will likely have the edge entering training camp due to his experience. Jefferson noted that Darnold has made a positive impression on the team by “communicating and just connecting with the players.” The pair are quickly building a rapport similar to the relationship Jefferson had with Cousins.
“To have Sam in there, more of a veteran, older mindset, and to have J.J. come in and learn from him as well, is definitely something that we needed. I think it’ll be great for J.J. as well,” Jefferson said.
Jefferson’s 5,899 receiving yards are the most in NFL history through a player’s first four seasons. This offseason, Minnesota rewarded him with a four-year, $140-million extension, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history.
Jefferson believes he will remain a central figure in the Vikings’ offense, regardless of who is at quarterback.
“It doesn’t really matter what quarterback it is in my eyes, I’m always going to make the best of the opportunity. Always going to try to be the quarterback’s friend and make his job a lot easier. It doesn’t matter if it’s Kirk or if it’s Sam or it’s J.J. I’m going to make it as easy as possible for them,” Jefferson said.
