All through his attempting 2023 season, large receiver Justin Jefferson left little doubt about his choice for the way forward for the Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback place: He hoped Kirk Cousins would return however wouldn’t demand it.
Talking Tuesday on “The Wealthy Eisen Present,” Jefferson mentioned he understood Cousins’ choice to signal with the Atlanta Falcons and added, “I am not mad at him in any respect for that.”
Cousins began 54 of Jefferson’s first 60 NFL video games over 4 seasons. The Vikings are beginning over in 2024 with veteran Sam Darnold and rookie J.J. McCarthy, the No. 10 choose within the draft.
“I at all times knew that Kirk was going to do no matter he must do for his businesses-wise,” Jefferson instructed Eisen, “and I simply knew that every little thing simply wasn’t the best way he needed it to be right here, particularly simply with having to pay me and having to pay so many different totally different guys. I really feel like he simply needed a brand new begin, a brand new alternative to begin with Atlanta and a clear slate and I am not mad at him in any respect for that. I am grateful for what he has delivered to me and the issues that we now have completed collectively.
“However on the finish of the day, it is a enterprise and you have to do what you have to do for your self and for your loved ones, and I clearly perceive that. Nevertheless it’s on to the following. It would not actually matter what quarterback it’s in my eyes. I am at all times going to attempt to make the very best of the chance. I am at all times going to attempt to be the quarterback’s good friend and make his job lots simpler. It would not matter if it was Kirk or if it is Sam or if it is J.J. I’ll make it as straightforward as potential for him.”
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The Vikings negotiated with Cousins for months after the season, however in the end had been nicely wanting the Falcons’ four-year, $180 million provide that included $100 million in ensures over the primary three seasons.
Jefferson obtained a four-year, $140 million contract extension from the Vikings final month. The common of $35 million in new cash made him the highest-paid non-quarterback within the NFL.
