Chuck Foreman expressed a strong desire for the Minnesota Vikings to retain both Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson in the upcoming season.
Speaking on FOX 9 Sports Now, the former Vikings’ running back emphasized the importance of having the quarterback-receiver duo together.
With a crucial offseason approaching, the Vikings face challenges in securing the future of star receiver Justin Jefferson. Despite being close to a contract extension before the start of the previous season, an agreement couldn’t be reached.
Jefferson’s impressive performance, with 68 catches for 1,074 yards and five touchdowns despite missing seven games due to injury, has heightened the urgency to secure a deal. In the previous season, he finished with 128 catches for 1,809 yards, earning First-Team All-Pro honors.
Jefferson, entering the final year of his rookie contract, is set to earn $19 million this season and aims to become the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. Foreman stressed the importance of the Vikings reaching a deal promptly, warning that delaying negotiations could result in increased costs.
The Vikings also face a decision regarding Kirk Cousins, who could become a free agent in March. After six seasons with the team and one playoff win, Cousins’ return is uncertain. Despite playing at an MVP level before a Week 8 Achilles injury, he had accumulated 2,331 passing yards and 18 touchdowns.
Foreman advocates for bringing Cousins back to Minnesota, emphasizing his belief that Cousins is among the top quarterbacks in the game when surrounded by the right conditions. The financial implications of retaining Cousins are significant, with an estimated cost of at least $40 million per season.
As teams prepare for the NFL Combine at the end of the month, the Vikings will need to make pivotal decisions regarding the futures of Cousins and Jefferson.
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