Justin Jefferson Severs Connections With Cousins Prior to Vikings Contract Negotiations
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson has shown nothing but support for quarterback Kirk Cousins to return next season, but also distanced himself from the quarterback this offseason as the duo enter key contract talks with the team.
Jefferson appeared on NFL Network’s “Super Bowl Live” on Feb. 8 to talk about the future of Minnesota’s quarterback position, giving the Vikings a month to re-sign Cousins after his Achilles injury that ended the season. he goes By free contract. The 24-year-old has amassed 5,899 receiving yards in his first four seasons (the most by any player in NFL history) and is on pace to become the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league following a contract extension in this offseason.
Jefferson said he wants Cousins to throw for him in 2024, but doesn’t need Cousins to be his receiver for the last four years. “It could be Kirk, but it can’t be Kirk,” Jefferson told NFL.com. “I don’t know, but I know I’m going to be the same player no matter who throws the ball to me.”
Jefferson added that Cousins’ precision and accuracy have served him well as a receiver, but he’s been thrown the ball by four different quarterbacks this season, with him surpassing 1,000 receiving yards in nine games this season.
Justin Jefferson discusses how Cousins’ departure could affect negotiations with the Vikings.
Later in the interview, Jefferson was asked if the uncertainty of Cousins not re-signing would affect his decision to sign a long-term contract. In fact, Jefferson was not convinced. “If we decide to draft or draft a player, we have to know if we’re actually going to get Kirk back,” Jefferson said. “Everything plays its part, but I was still able to drive 1,000 yards while playing four different quarterbacks. So if someone throws it at me, it doesn’t matter who throws it at me. I’m confident and I have the ability to handle the ball 100%, whether it’s a little bit behind, a little bit forward or a little bit wide.”
Jefferson has consistently credited Cousins with helping him throughout his career as one of the most productive wide receivers in the league. But his belief in the value he brings to the offense doesn’t depend on who throws the ball. “I’ve always been confident in my game. I’m sure I’ll play the same no matter who throws the ball to me. But of course, Kirk is the leader and captain of the ball. As precise and accurate as it is, being the receiver is valuable and rewarding,” Jefferson said.
Justin Jefferson wants to become the highest paid WR in the NFL
With contract negotiations set to intensify in the coming months, Jefferson has opened talks with the Vikings, saying he wants to become one of the highest-paid players in the league. “I know what I’ve done for the organization and what I’ve done since I stepped on an NFL field,” Jefferson said.
“So I’m definitely doing the right thing, getting what I deserve. I definitely take into account all the different stats and where I am as a player and receiver. So, you know, it will certainly allow the agents and all that to come up with different negotiations and different numbers and I would certainly do that. I love being one of the highest paid players, especially the top receivers.”
