The Forgotten Factor for Whether Kirk Cousins Sticks Around Beyond 2023
Justin Jefferson’s opinion carries some weight. Presumably, that reality even gets extended to Kirk Cousins.
The recently-appointed flag football ambassador is the undisputed best player in Minnesota. Some believe other receivers in the NFC North are in the same stratosphere as Jefferson, but most agree: Jefferson is operating on a completely different level from those around him.
When it comes to Kirk Cousins, what does Justin Jefferson think is best?
Justin Jefferson, Kirk Cousins, and the QB Mystery
Not too long ago, The Star Tribune‘s Ben Goessling shared an important insight. Per Goessling, the Vikings make the unique effort to keep Jefferson informed on the direction of the franchise. Generally speaking, such a privilege only goes to franchise quarterbacks, so seeing a wide receiver get the honor is certainly notable.
Goessling sent along this tidbit: “One interesting note from Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah‘s side session with beat writers at the combine: He said the team will keep Justin Jefferson in its conversations about roster-building, adding, ‘He’s a unique enough player that I think that’s probably right.'”
Apparently, the GM explained himself even further: “He’s aligned with Kevin and I and the Wilfs. He just wants to win. It’s the coolest thing to be around. So for certain, he’s someone we’ll keep in all our conversations. We treat everybody with respect and we understand we need their buy-in.”
Now, it’s important to keep in mind what Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is doing. He’s keeping his star receiver informed, not handing over the reins. That’s an important distinction, folks.
Then again, bringing Jefferson into the fold certainly opens the possibility of getting feedback. If #18 strongly advocates for his quarterback to come back, will Minnesota’s leadership circle back around to the QB? If the decision looks like a true 50/50, does Jefferson have the power to get things to 51/49?
For good reason, we’re all quick to celebrate Jefferson’s numbers. The 24-year-old receiver is accomplishing historic stuff, piling up yards in a manner that’s never been seen before in the NFL. Does he still do that with someone different at quarterback? When we think of recent Vikings QBs – Tarvaris Jackson, Sage Rosenfels, Joe Webb, Teddy Bridgewater, Case Keenum, Sam Bradford, Donovan McNabb, Christian Ponder – do we have confidence that Jefferson would still be breaking those records?
Some may have been capable of getting Jefferson to the same heights – Keenum is an absolute gamer – but there’s something to be said for Cousins. The ultra-durable, sneaky-tough QB has an excellent arm and accuracy. Yes, some shrinking in major moments, but a borderline top 10 option at the game’s most important position.
If Jefferson strongly endorses Cousins, Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O’Connell may have to think long and hard about what to do at QB.
