The 2024 offseason for the Minnesota Vikings was a pivotal one. They made multiple moves to shape the future of the franchise, including extending wide receiver Justin Jefferson and moving on from quarterback Kirk Cousins. They brought in J.J. McCarthy in the NFL Draft and the future is now.
It wasn't a decision without controversy, as Cousins is one of the better quarterbacks in the National Football League. However, the direction of the team didn't involve Cousins and the team had to make a decision.
During an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, Jefferson spoke about Cousins departing for the Atlanta Falcons, stating that "I'm not mad at him at all for that."
"I always knew that Kirk was going to do whatever he needs to do for his businesses-wise," Jefferson told Eisen, "and I just knew that everything just 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, a new opportunity to start with Atlanta and a clean slate and 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 and you've got to do what you've got to do for yourself and for your family, and I clearly understand that. But it's on to the next. It doesn't really matter what quarterback it is in my eyes. I'm always going to try to make the best of the opportunity."
Jefferson did make it clear that he wanted Cousins to return before free agency began. However, Jefferson's understanding of the business is important here. He wants to be a Minnesota Viking and will do everything he can to be great moving forward.
It's unfortunate that they couldn't make a deal to keep Cousins for an extra year with McCarthy on the roster, but that's the NFL for you.
