Would Justin Jefferson pass on signing a deal with the Vikings in the next few months if the franchise’s direction at quarterback remains uncertain?
“That’s a great question but I really don’t know at this very moment,” answered Justin Jefferson, who was asked that very question on NFL Network Thursday morning.
The direction the Vikings go at quarterback will probably be known no later than mid-March, which is when Kirk Cousins will have either already re-signed with Minnesota or inked a deal with a new team. Free agency begins March 13 and if Cousins isn’t signed by then, there’s a good chance he ends up somewhere else.
“I’ll really have to see if we really bring back Kirk or not, if we decide to want to draft or want to pick up a quarterback, all of that plays a part,” Jefferson said, elaborating on the issue.
“But also, I still managed to get 1,000 yards by playing through four different quarterbacks. It really doesn’t matter too much who’s throwing me that ball as long as someone’s throwing it to me. I feel like I’m confident and I have the ability to make plays no matter if the ball is 100% accurate or if it’s a little behind or a little in front or a little off. I’m always confident in my game, confident that I’m going to play the same no matter who’s going to throw me that ball. But of course having Kirk out there to be that leader and that captain and to throw that ball with accuracy – and precise as he does – it definitely is very valuable and useful being a receiver.”
Jefferson’s answer seemed to be mostly about his ability to dominate no matter what, which is hard to argue considering he racked up 1,000 yards in just 10 games in 2023 – catching passes from Cousins, Jaren Hall, Josh Dobbs and Nick Mullens – after a hamstring injury kept him out almost half the season.
Does @JJettas2 want WR money, or QB money?
Will he sign this summer if the Vikings don't have a long-term QB?@movethesticks @nflnetwork @SuperBowl Live pic.twitter.com/bHjjJsfIZ5— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) February 8, 2024
Although he said it doesn’t matter who’s throwing the ball, he admitted that it’s easier when the ball is coming from Cousins, which is in line with his Wednesday comments in which he made it very clear that he’d love to have Cousins back with him in Minnesota in 2024.
All in all, it’s just the latest example of Jefferson stating the obvious: 1) He’s really good at his job and 2) He likes catching passes from Cousins.
