Just in; Cousins’ return likely ‘not a breaking point’ for Jefferson extension
Although Kirk Cousins’ return to Minnesota may be pushed by Justin Jefferson, it might not be a deal-breaker to convince the standout receiver to sign a contract extension with the Vikings.
While making the rounds on radio row during Super Bowl week, Jefferson stated that while he wants to keep his relationship with Cousins going, it “really doesn’t matter too much” who is giving him the ball.
In comments to NFL Network last week, Jefferson noted that he “still has 1,000 yards against four different quarterbacks.”
In just 10 games last season, Jefferson caught 68 passes for 1,074 yards while catching passes from Kirk Cousins, Josh Dobbs, Jaren Hall and Nick Mullens.
Minnesota is in flux at the QB position after not agreeing to a contract extension with Cousins last offseason. Now 36 years old and coming off an Achilles injury, Cousins is on the cusp of free agency and a highly desirable player, with national headlines suggesting Atlanta, Pittsburgh and Minnesota as the most likely spots of landing.
KSTP’s Darren Wolfson told SKOR North’s McKee and Judd on Thursday that he doesn’t think Cousins’ return is “the tipping point for us not to sign an extension.”
“Money is more important than anything else. I’m sure he wants some vision and a plan,” Wolfson said. “But if the Vikings want to get him closer to being the highest-paid quarterback or Nick Bosa exceeding his contract, that makes him the highest-paid quarterback. . It’s fine. I promise to sign the contract whether Kirk is there or not.”
Jefferson’s comments on Radio Row last week were the topic of discussion on Thursday’s episode of The Pat McAfee Show. McAfee was skeptical of the Vikings’ ability to keep Cousins and Jefferson, as Jefferson could command “quarterback money”.
