After naming Kwesi Adofo-Mensa general manager and making it clear Kevin O’Connell will be their next head coach, the Minnesota Vikings are facing questions about key contributors next season. Kirk Cousins is chief among them. The $150 million quarterback has been polarizing, to say the least.
Though Cousins had an above-average season last year, throwing for over 4,000 passing yards and 30 touchdowns, the Vikings failed to make the playoffs for the second year in a row. The former Michigan State play-caller is owed $45 million next season.
One person who appears to be firmly in Cousins’ camp is star wide receiver, Justin Jefferson. In an interview with Zach Gelb on CBS Sports radio, Jefferson heaped praise on Cousins, saying that he loves having him as a quarterback.
“I love Kirk as a person, I love Kirk as a quarterback,” said Jefferson. “He’s been doing a tremendous job with me, ever since I got into the league. So, I definitely wouldn’t mind him staying. I love Kirk.
“[However] if the GM and head coach want to go a different route, then that’s on them. At the end of the day, I don’t make the decision. I’m just here to play football and I’m going to give it my all, no matter who the quarterback is. I honestly do think we can win a Super Bowl with him. Kirk is an outstanding quarterback. I feel like Kirk just needs to go out there and have fun with it. Just have that confidence, have that swagger. Trust in his playmakers to get the ball, and do what they have to do. So, I’m happy for this upcoming year.”
This offseason, Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell will have to decide on what to do with Cousins, and his giant cap hit that is lingering over their heads. If they are to take in players’ feelings and thoughts into consideration, it looks like Jefferson stands with Cousins.
