It will be a new environment on the field for Minnesota Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson.
Jefferson remains in the Twin Cities for the long term after signing a lucrative new contract with Minnesota, but for the first time since entering the NFL, a different quarterback will be throwing to him regularly. Kirk Cousins has decided to join the Atlanta Falcons.
Jefferson had mixed feelings about Cousins leaving Minnesota for Atlanta. On The Rich Eisen Show, Jefferson said that while he was surprised by Cousins’ move, he understood the reasons behind it (h/t Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk).
“I always knew Kirk would do whatever he needed to for his business. I knew everything wasn’t how he wanted it here,” Jefferson said.
Jefferson, who signed a four-year, $140 million contract extension with the Vikings last June, emphasized that he holds no resentment toward Cousins for leaving the team via free agency.
“With the need to pay me and many other players, I feel he wanted a fresh start. A new opportunity with Atlanta and a clean slate. I’m not mad at him at all.
“I’m grateful for what he brought to me and our accomplishments together, but at the end of the day, it’s a business. You have to do what’s best for yourself and your family. I understand that completely. It’s on to the next.”
With Cousins leading the Vikings, Jefferson accumulated 5,899 receiving yards and 30 touchdowns on 392 receptions and 576 targets, mostly from the veteran quarterback, who signed a four-year, $180 million deal with the Falcons in March.
Jefferson’s total career receiving yards are the most by any player in NFL history in their first four seasons.
### Can Vikings WR Justin Jefferson Maintain His Form Without Kirk Cousins?
As arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL today, Jefferson is expected to perform well regardless of his quarterback. However, it’s fair to question whether he can be as effective without Cousins.
“It doesn’t really matter what quarterback it is in my eyes, I’m always going to make the best of the opportunity,” Jefferson said about the Vikings’ post-Cousins quarterback situation.
“Always going to try to be the quarterback’s friend and make his job easier. It doesn’t matter if it’s Kirk, Sam, or J.J. I’m going to make it as easy as possible for them.”
The Vikings’ current quarterback depth chart features newcomers Sam Darnold and rookie JJ McCarthy. Darnold, the former third-overall draft pick, joined Minnesota after a season with the San Francisco 49ers.
He signed a one-year, $10 million deal with the Vikings in March and is presumed to be the team’s No. 1 quarterback for now. Meanwhile, McCarthy remains in contention for the top QB spot and has a chance to impress the Vikings during training camp.
