Vikings WR Justin Jefferson opens up on Kirk Cousins' $180,000,000 exit - "Everything wasn't the way he wanted it to be"
Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson have had some great moments on the field, with their excellent chemistry. However, the four-time Pro Bowl QB left the Minnesota Vikings this offseason. Cousins joined the Atlanta Falcons on a four-year $180 million deal.
Jefferson is not mad at Cousins. Speaking on the Rich Eisen Show, the Vikings WR said that he did not have any hard feelings towards Cousins and understands the rationale behind his departure. [From 1:21]
"Yeah and no," Jefferson said when asked if he was surprised when with Cousins' exit. "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."
Jefferson continued:
"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."
Justin Jefferson flourished with Kirk Cousins as his quarterback. He averages 98.3 receiving yards a game in his NFL career, the most in league history. He has recorded 5,899 yards and 30 touchdowns, averaging 15 yards per catch, in his four-year career.
The Vikings duly rewarded Jefferson for his performances by making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history when they gave him a four-year, $140 million contract extension. Now, Jefferson will need to adjust in the post-Cousins era.
Vikings WR Justin Jefferson discusses expectations for Sam Darnold and J. J. McCarthy
The Minnesota Vikings replaced Kirk Cousins with veteran quarterback Sam Darnold and drafted former Michigan Wolverines QB J. J. McCarthy. Head coach Kevin O'Connell mentioned that Darnold will be QB1 heading into the training camp.
Speaking on the same show, Justin Jefferson praised Darnold's communication skills. The Vikings WR said that Darnold knows how to connect and build chemistry with his new teammates, given his veteran experience. [From 00:19]
"I feel like Sam is doing a great job with just communicating and just connecting with the players," Jefferson said. "He understands that he's the new guy, and we have to bond with him."
Justin Jefferson continued, explaining how Darnold's experience will be crucial in rookie quarterback J. J. McCarthy's development.
"To have Sam in there, more of a veteran, older mindset, and to have J.J. [McCarthy] come in and learn from him as well is definitely something that we needed. I think it'll be great for J.J. as well."
The Minnesota Vikings will begin training camp later this month, on July 27 at the Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center.