Kevin O'Connell - Justin Jefferson 'in loop' on Vikings' QB plans - ESPN

ORLANDO, Fla. — As they navigate a franchise-altering quarterback transition, the Minnesota Vikings have been careful to keep the most important player on their roster fully informed.

Speaking Monday at the NFL's annual meeting, Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said he has had regular check-ins with star wide receiver Justin Jefferson this offseason and found him «excited» about the potential of contributing to the mentorship of a young quarterback. More importantly, O'Connell said he does not believe that Jefferson needs to know the outcome of the team's plans before signing a contract extension that the sides have been negotiating for more than a year.

«Needing to know and being a part of a collaborative process, which Justin is, are two different things,» O'Connell said. «I've felt very strongly about keeping him informed. He's been in the loop. He's been aware. He's allowed to articulate things to me via our relationship, and that's really been through this whole process.»

Jefferson had a strong relationship with former quarterback Kirk Cousins. He said during the season that Cousins' return in 2024 would be «perfect,» but stopped short of insisting on it. Cousins signed a four-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons that included far more fully guaranteed money than the Vikings' offer, and the Vikings responded by signing veteran Sam Darnold and turning their attention to the 2024 draft.

Jefferson hasn't spoken publicly about Cousins' departure, but O'Connell said there has been constant communication behind the scenes about the team's plans.

«Look, the things that Kirk and Justin were able to do over these last couple years, that's what I can speak to,» O'Connell said. «Having been here with those guys when they've