Latest News: Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson: I’m going to be…

Justin Jefferson, wide receiver for the Vikings: I’m going to be that same type of player with or without Kirk Cousins.

Justin Jefferson, a wide receiver with the Minnesota Vikings, would prefer to have Kirk Cousins start as quarterback the next season.

He’s made that much known in the past.

Regardless of whether he gets his way, though, Jefferson is ultra-confident he’ll be the same wide-receiving superstar he’s been — one who’s still pursuing the blockbuster deal his play has prompted.

It may be Kirk, it could not be Kirk, Jefferson stated Wednesday on NFL Network’s Super Bowl Live, “I have no idea, but it doesn’t matter who’s going to be throwing me the ball, you know I’m going to be that same type of guy.

In just four seasons, a player of the similar sort has amassed 5,899 receiving yards, 392 catches, and 30 touchdowns, taking the NFL by storm. This previous season, Jefferson eclipsed 1,000 yards for the fourth consecutive year despite missing seven games due to a hamstring ailment. Since last offseason, Jefferson has been eligible for an extension; when pay day arrives, he is expected to become the highest-paid wideout in the league with his eye-popping stats and jaw-dropping receptions.

Jefferson stated on Wednesday that regardless of what happens with the QB position in 2023, the Vikings would be heavily focused on it this offseason. As the Vikings consider whether to contract Cousins again or search for a different quarterback in the future, Jefferson

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,” Jefferson said when asked if he would pass on doing a deal this summer if there’s still uncertainty as to who the long-term QB will be. “All of that plays a part, but also, I still managed to get 1,000 yards by playing through four different quarterbacks as well, so 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 percent accurate or if it’s a little behind or a little in front or a little off. So I’m always confident in my game, confident that I’m going to play the same no matter who’s going to throw me the ball, but of course, having Kirk out there to be that leader and that captain, to throw that ball with accuracy and precise as he does, it definitely is very valuable and useful being a receiver.

Therefore, it’s reasonable to assume that 24-year-old Jefferson will have a good future regardless of the 35-year-old Cousins.

After being selected 22nd overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, Jefferson has become an instant celebrity. He set a record for the most yards in a Super Bowl and was awarded the AP Offensive NFL Rookie of the Year. He was selected for his third Pro Bowl, earned his first All-Pro selection, and set an NFL record with 128 receptions and 1,809 yards in 2022.

He is aware of his stats. He is aware of his influence. Jefferson is aware of his value.

Kirk Cousins led the Vikings to victory three times in a row at first, but in Week Eight, Cousins suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon. Josh Dobbs, whom Minnesota acquired from the Arizona Cardinals prior to the trade deadline, stepped into the fray and led the Vikings to an unlikely comeback victory over the Atlanta Falcons. The following week, he continued his strong play in a victory against the New Orleans Saints. Rookie backup Jaren Hall was lost to a concussion the week after against the Atlanta Falcons.

However, a Week 11 loss to the Denver Broncos ended the Vikings’ winning streak at five games, and Dobbs struggled in a Monday loss to the Bears, throwing four interceptions.

It’s unclear from this loss on Monday exactly who Jefferson will be receiving passes from when he returns because head coach Kevin O’Connell did not name Dobbs as his starting quarterback moving forward.

This season, Jefferson has caught 36 passes for 571 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 114.2 yards per contest, in five games.

On December 10, the Vikings play the Raiders.