Justin Jefferson says he's 'not mad' at Kirk Cousins for leaving Vikings for Falcons

For the first time in his NFL career, Justin Jefferson's starting quarterback will not be Kirk Cousins.

Cousins, the four-time Pro Bowl quarterback who helped Jefferson become one of NFL's best wide receivers during their four years together with the Minnesota Vikings, left to sign a four-year contract worth up to $180 million with the Atlanta Falcons when NFL free agency opened in march.

Jefferson said he understood Cousins' decision in a radio interview Tuesday.

"Yeah and no," Jefferson said when asked whether he was surprised that Cousins headed to Atlanta in the offseason.

"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 that he wanted it to be here. Especially with having to pay me, and having to pay so many other different guys. I feel like he just wanted a new start, and a new opportunity to start with Atlanta, and a clean slate."

Jefferson stressed that he was not mad "at all" at Cousins for the decision he made.

"I'm grateful for what he has brought to me and the things that we have accomplished together," Jefferson continued. "But at the end of the day it's a business, and you've gotta do what you gotta do for yourself and your family, and I clearly understand that."

"The next" for Jefferson and the Vikings is either veteran free agent signing Sam Darnold, or J.J. McCarthy, who became the No. 10 overall selection in April's 2024 NFL draft for Minnesota after having won a aational championship with Michigan last college football season. Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell has indicated that Darnold will have a slight edge over McCarthy in the near term given his six years of NFL experience, and Jefferson said he has enjoyed his time with