Justin Jefferson is refraining from discussing his future plans at the moment. The standout receiver for the Vikings expressed his admiration for Kirk Cousins but steered clear of addressing inquiries about his own contract during Wednesday’s interview.
In the previous game against the Detroit Lions, Justin Jefferson went above and beyond to compensate for turnovers by backup quarterback Nick Mullens.
Despite his efforts, the Minnesota Vikings fell short with a final drive interception on a pass that didn’t reach the star receiver. Post-game, a frustrated Jefferson urged the public to recognize the importance of starting quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Jefferson emphasized his gratitude for Cousins, who has been sidelined since Week 8 due to a torn Achilles. He highlighted their strong connection both on and off the field, acknowledging the void created by Cousins’ absence in terms of game knowledge and awareness.
Given the uncertainty surrounding the Vikings’ quarterback position, especially with Cousins becoming a free agent after this season, Jefferson’s opinion carries weight in the locker room. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah had previously mentioned involving Jefferson in discussions about the team’s future direction due to his value to the franchise.
When asked if he would advocate for Cousins to return as the Vikings’ quarterback next year, Jefferson hinted at the quarterback’s impressive performance before the injury but did not explicitly state his preference.
As Jefferson contemplates a potential long-term contract extension this offseason, he acknowledged that negotiations with the team took place before the season but did not reach a resolution. However, he declined to comment on whether the Vikings’ quarterback decision would influence his contract status.
In terms of the current quarterback situation, the team has not clarified its decision, with Nick Mullens, Jaren Hall, and Josh Dobbs all taking snaps with the first-team offensive line during the walk-through period. The head coach is expected to announce the starting quarterback on Thursday.
Regarding the possibility of rookie Jaren Hall starting, Jefferson praised Hall’s learning efforts throughout the challenging year, expressing confidence in his potential to energize the offense if given the opportunity to play. Despite the uncertainty, Jefferson emphasized the team’s confidence in any quarterback chosen to lead the team.
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