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In a major off-season shake-up, the Minnesota Vikings had decided to prioritize star receiver Justin Jefferson over veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. With Cousins departing for the Atlanta Falcons under a lucrative four-year, $180 million deal, the Vikings are now faced with a quarterback competition to determine who will be throwing to Jefferson in the season.
Justin Jefferson, the standout wide receiver and 2022 Offensive Player of the Year, recently shared his thoughts on Cousins' departure during an appearance on "The Rich Eisen Show." When asked if he was surprised by the move, Jefferson expressed mixed feelings.
"Yeah and no," Jefferson responded. "I always knew Kirk was going to do whatever he needs to do for his business-wise. I just knew that everything wasn't the way he wanted it to be here. Especially just with having to pay me and having to pay so many other different guys, I feel like he just wanted a new start. A new opportunity to start with Atlanta and a clean slate. I'm not mad at him at all for that. I'm grateful for what he has brought to me, and the things that we have accomplished together, but at the end of the day it's a business. You have to do what you have to do for yourself and your family. I clearly understand that. It's on to the next."
With Cousins gone, the Vikings' quarterback competition is now between veteran Sam Darnold and first-round pick J.J. McCarthy. Regardless of who emerges as the starter, Jefferson is determined to continue his exceptional performance.
Jefferson isn't worried about the QB
"It doesn't really matter what quarterback it is in my eyes, I'm always going to make the best of the opportunity. Always going to try to be the quarterback's friend and make his job a lot easier. It doesn't matter if it's Kirk or if it's Sam or it's J.J. I'm going to make it as easy as possible for them."
Jefferson's confidence is well-founded. Over his four seasons with the Vikings, he has amassed an impressive 354 catches for 5,338 yards and 29 touchdowns in 54 games with Cousins. In six games without Cousins, Jefferson recorded 38 receptions for 561 yards and one touchdown.
The Vikings showed their commitment to Jefferson by g him to a four-year, $140 million extension this offseason. As the team looks to build its offense around their star receiver, all eyes will be on how well Darnold or McCarthy can step up to the challenge and maintain the high standards set by Cousins.
This season marks a new chapter for the Vikings, one where Justin Jefferson remains the focal point, regardless of who is under center.