Justin Jefferson puts the brakes on contract negotiations ahead of the Vikings’ final call on cousins,
The Minnesota Vikings will have a big decision to make regarding Kirk Cousins in the coming weeks, and the future of wide receiver Justin Jefferson may hinge on the future of their quarterback.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported on Tuesday, Feb. 13, that Jefferson wants to know what will happen under center next season before signing a mega long-term contract to keep him in Minnesota for several years. JPA Football reported on Tuesday on X. “Jefferson has repeatedly said he wants Kirk Cousins to stay in Minnesota.”
Justin Jefferson battled injuries to himself and Kirk Cousins last season.
Jefferson has voiced his support for Cousins, but other recent comments suggest he’s open to playing another quarterback. “It could be Kirk, but it can’t be Kirk,” Jefferson told NFL.com on Feb. 8. “I don’t have anything, but you know I’ll be the one throwing the ball to me.” He is that kind of player.”
It’s hard to argue with Jefferson on this point. He put up numbers in both right and left field in his first few years in the league, and in 2022, earned multiple Pro Bowl appearances and first-team All-Pro honors. Jefferson missed seven games last season, but still finished with 1,074 receiving yards and five scores. A TD by the professional football definition.
Still, it’s clear that the quarterback position is important for a player of Jefferson’s caliber. The Vikings have struggled mightily since Cousins went down with an Achilles injury in Week 8. The offense had a few wins and gained some momentum with Josh Dobbs, but it dried up quickly. Nick Mullens gave the team exciting games and big stats on the field, but the turnovers were rampant and the wins didn’t come. Luke Jaren Hall tried to do something with two heads in 2023.
Justin Jefferson was expected to sign a historic contract with the Vikings in the coming months.
Jefferson took a tougher line in his comments Tuesday, but the Vikings star still wants to earn his money, which Pelissero said is a good thing for Minnesota regardless of who becomes the starting quarterback in 2024. “I’m waiting,” Jefferson said on the Rich Eisen Show during Super Bowl week. “I’m looking for a bag like yours.” I await your call to experience this with my family. This is life changing. “I’m looking forward to it,” he said.
Spotrac estimates Jefferson’s market value at $29.3 million per year (more than $117 million total) under the new four-year deal. In fact, he would reset the wide receiver market and receive a contract worth more than $30 million per year. This is the same extension the Miami Dolphins gave Tyreek Hill to join the franchise two seasons ago. Cousins’ price tag could also be expensive, dropping to $40-45 million per year over two years. The QB, who turns 36 next season, made $185 million over six seasons in Minnesota, with all of that money fully guaranteed.
