Justin Jefferson has demonstrated considerable patience over the past year, and it’s now time for the Minnesota Vikings to take action on his behalf in multiple respects. The standout wide receiver for the Vikings recently appeared on comedian Kevin Hart’s “Cold As Balls” show via the Laugh Out Loud (LOL) Network. During the interview, Hart inquired about Jefferson’s thoughts on his former LSU teammates, quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, now playing together professionally for the Cincinnati Bengals. Jefferson expressed his admiration for their chemistry and confessed to feeling a twinge of envy witnessing their partnership thrive.
The Minnesota Vikings opted to let Kirk Cousins depart in free agency, leaving a significant gap at quarterback for Justin Jefferson.
Having won a National Title alongside Chase and Burrow at LSU in 2019, Jefferson may naturally feel a sense of envy at their unexpected reunion at the professional level. However, his desire for chemistry and familiarity at the quarterback position could have been further fueled by Minnesota’s decision to allow Kirk Cousins to depart for the Atlanta Falcons in free agency last month.
Jefferson had been a vocal supporter of Cousins in the lead-up to free agency, having spent his first four NFL seasons catching passes from him. During this time, Jefferson achieved Pro Bowl honors in each of his initial three years, culminating in a first-team All-Pro selection in 2022 when he topped the league in receptions (128) and receiving yards (1,809).
Despite missing seven games due to a strained hamstring last year, Jefferson still managed to accumulate 68 receptions for 1,074 yards and 5 touchdowns in the 2023 season. His absence coincided with Cousins being sidelined for the rest of the season due to an Achilles tear. In total, Jefferson has amassed impressive statistics, tallying 392 receptions for 5,899 receiving yards and 30 touchdowns across 60 career games, as per Pro Football Reference.
As of Thursday, the quarterbacks on Minnesota’s roster include Sam Darnold, who struggled last season with the San Francisco 49ers; Nick Mullens, a backup quarterback who showed promise in 2023 but failed to secure any wins in three starts; and second-year signal-caller Jaren Hall, drafted in the fifth round in 2023.
“Vikings’ Draft Dilemma: Betting the Franchise’s Future and Its Relationship with Justin Jefferson on Selecting a Quarterback in 2024”
The Vikings have positioned themselves with a viable strategy, aiming to trade up into the top five of this year’s draft to address their quarterback void. Initially holding the No. 11 pick, they traded two second-rounders and a sixth-rounder to the Houston Texans for the No. 23 selection this year. Combining picks 11 and 23 with a 2025 first-rounder could facilitate a move into the top five, depending on the draft order and the quarterbacks already selected.
However, securing a top quarterback prospect like Drake Maye or J.J. McCarthy doesn’t guarantee success. Even if the Vikings find their next franchise quarterback, there’s uncertainty about whether they can replicate the chemistry Jefferson enjoyed with Cousins or the bond shared by his former college teammates in Cincinnati.
Jefferson’s contract situation adds another layer of complexity. Despite being extension-eligible since last offseason, he remains unsigned to a new deal. His impending contract is expected to set a new benchmark for wide receiver salaries. While the Vikings aim to balance their finances to build a Super Bowl-caliber roster, delaying Jefferson’s contract negotiations could give him leverage to demand more money and await clarity on the team’s quarterback situation.
