Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson: “I’m going to be that same type of player,” whether Kirk Cousins is around or not.
Justin Jefferson, a wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings, would prefer to have Kirk Cousins start at quarterback the following season.
That much has been known by him in the past.
But whether or not he gets his wish, Jefferson is adamant that he will continue to be the popular sensation he has been and that he will continue to pursue the blockbuster extension that his play has commanded.
On NFL Network’s Super Bowl Live on Wednesday, Jefferson stated, “It could be Kirk, it could not be Kirk,” “I have no idea, but it doesn’t matter who’s going to be throwing me that ball, you know I’m going to be that same type of player.”
In just four seasons, a player of that same type has produced 5,899 receiving yards, 392 receptions, and 30 touchdowns, taking the NFL by storm. This past season, Jefferson eclipsed 1,000 yards for the fourth consecutive year despite missing seven games due to a hamstring injury. Since last offseason, Jefferson has been eligible for an extension; when pay day arrives, he is expected to become the highest-paid wideout in the league with his eye-popping stats and jaw-dropping catches.
Jefferson stated on Wednesday that regardless of what happens with the QB position in 2023, the Vikings will be heavily focused on it this offseason. As the Vikings consider whether to sign Cousins again or look for a different quarterback in the future, Jefferson
Jefferson responded, “I’ll really have to see if we really bring back Kirk or not, if we decide to want to draft, or want to pick up a quarterback,” when asked if he would pass on making a deal this summer if the long-term quarterback still remains undetermined. “That all counts, but I also played through four different quarterbacks and still managed to gain 1,000 yards, so it really doesn’t matter too much who throws the ball to me as long as it’s being thrown to me.” I believe I’m self-assured and capable of making plays, regardless of whether the ball is perfectly accurate or slightly off, slightly in front, or slightly behind. I therefore always have faith in my abilities and know that I will perform the same regardless of who throws the ball to me. However, it is undoubtedly very beneficial and valuable to have Kirk as a leader and captain and to be able to throw the ball as accurately and precisely as he does.
It’s evident that Jefferson wants Cousins back, but it’s also evident that Jefferson is confident Cousins will keep producing even in the absence of a reunion. He accomplished this in 2023, with Jaren Hall, Nick Mullens, and Joshua Dobbs stepping in after Cousins tore his Achilles.
Therefore, it’s reasonable to assume that 24-year-old Jefferson will have a bright future regardless of the 35-year-old Cousins.
After being selected 22nd overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, Jefferson became an instant celebrity. He set a record for the most yards in a Super Bowl and was awarded the AP Offensive NFL Rookie of the Year. He was selected for his third Pro Bowl, earned his first All-Pro selection, and set an NFL record with 128 receptions and 1,809 yards in 2022.
He is aware of his numbers. He is aware of his influence. Jefferson is aware of his value.
“I’m definitely aware of what I’ve been doing for the organization, what I’ve done ever since I stepped foot on this NFL field,” Jefferson stated. “Therefore, I will undoubtedly act morally and obtain the compensation I believe is appropriate. I’ll definitely let the agent handle all of the various negotiations and the various numbers, but I do want to be among the highest-paid players, especially at wide receiver. I will definitely keep in mind the various stats and where I am as a player and as a receiver.”
Due to a right hamstring injury he suffered in a Week 5 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Jefferson, whose practice window opened on November 8, has missed the last seven games. He is expected to play in Week 14 against the Las Vegas Raiders following the team’s next bye.
He will rejoin a Vikings team that is 6-6 and in the thick of the playoff chase, but has dropped its last two games after overcoming a 1-4 start that was marred by Jefferson’s loss.
Kirk Cousins led the Vikings to victory three times in a row at first, but in Week Eight, Cousins suffered a torn Achilles tendon. Josh Dobbs, whom Minnesota acquired from the Arizona Cardinals prior to the trade deadline, stepped into the fray and led the Vikings to an unlikely comeback victory over the Atlanta Falcons. The following week, he continued his strong play in a victory against the New Orleans Saints. Rookie backup Jaren Hall was lost to a concussion the week after against the Atlanta Falcons.
However, a Week 11 loss to the Denver Broncos ended the Vikings’ winning streak at five games, and Dobbs struggled in a Monday loss to the Bears, throwing four interceptions.
It’s unclear from this loss on Monday exactly who Jefferson will be receiving passes from when he returns because head coach Kevin O’Connell did not name Dobbs as his starting quarterback moving forward.
This season, Jefferson has caught 36 passes for 571 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 114.2 yards per contest, in five games.
On December 10, the Vikings play the Raiders.
