Justin Jefferson Endorses Kirk Cousins as Vikings Quarterback in 2024
Brett Peterson
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Minnesota’s superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson is tired of inconsistent quarterback play. The All-Pro wide receiver had essentially taken every snap of his career with quarterback Kirk Cousins prior to the 2023 season. Jefferson is used to great to elite level play from the signal caller, and for the last several weeks, that has not been the case.
Nick Mullens has thrown for a ton of yards in his two starts, but has also thrown six interceptions. Joshua Dobbs became almost unplayable prior to his benching. The Vikings may be looking at another quarterback change, as Mullens and rookie quarterback Jaren Hall split snaps at Wednesday’s walkthrough, according to The Athletic’s, Alec Lewis.
Whoever starts at quarterback on Sunday, the level of play will almost certainly not be able to compete with the way Cousins was playing before his Achilles injury. The 35-year-old quarterback was playing the best football of his career, and if he was still healthy, he’d more than likely be an MVP candidate, as he tossed 18 touchdowns to only five interceptions through just over seven games into the 2023 season.
Justin Jefferson had this to say about his quarterback and why he’s so important to the team’s success,
“I think it goes to show the world the type of player Kirk is,” Jefferson said. “This is a tough league. Not everybody is meant for this job. It’s tough not having number eight out there.”
It’s a ringing endorsement for a soon-to-be free agent. Cousins will be entering free agency this March and there is speculation about whether Minnesota will extend him, especially coming off a major injury. Kevin O’Connell already talked about his love for Cousins, and it seems Jefferson feels the same way.
Jefferson is also extension eligible, so it may make a ton of sense for the Vikings to extend Cousins to keep the superstar pass catcher happy. The former LSU receiver has broken of plethora of records with number eight slinging him the football, and he wants that progress to continue.
Jefferson’s Comment May Ensure Cousins’ Return
Jefferson has insisted that he always puts a word in for “Kirko” but also said he doesn’t really need to as he knows the way people feel about him.
“I will always give that extra word for Kirko,” Jefferson said before adding: “I feel like I really don’t have to voice my opinion that much. Just look at his play before he went down.” Jefferson said, via the Pioneer Press.
These comments make it seem likely that Kirk will be back in purple in 2024. There’s also a lot of steam surrounding the Vikings and the NFL draft, as Minnesota may be a destination for a top quarterback in April. Even if the Vikings do give Cousins a short term extension, he would be a perfect quarterback to learn behind for a young signal caller.
The price point for the Pro Bowl passer may also be more team friendly, as his market may not be as rich while rehabbing an injury. The good thing for Cousins, is that he’s always been a pocket passer, so an Achilles injury is more than likely not a death sentence to his NFL career.
If Minnesota wants to keep their franchise wide receiver happy, and be in a good situation at the quarterback position heading into 2024, their best route may be to bring back Cousins and draft a young signal caller early in the draft at the end of April. Either way, the comments from Jefferson confirms he wants competent quarterback play, and the Vikings must do their best to make that happen.
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