Reunion with Kirk Cousins a 'surreal moment' for Justin Jefferson

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There’s nobody that has been able to unlock Justin Jefferson quite like Kirk Cousins. Though it shouldn’t be hard to find Jefferson with regularity, Cousins has understood the assignment better than most.

The stats speak for themselves.

In their 55 games played together, Jefferson has recorded 360 receptions for 5,396 yards and 28 touchdowns with Cousins throwing him the ball. That stretch includes Jefferson winning the 2022 NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award.

That was where Jefferson’s mind immediately went this week when he learned the Vikings were reacquiring Cousins in a blockbuster trade with the Las Vegas Raiders.

“It was kind of like a flashback,” Jefferson said. “Just thinking about all of the different plays and all of the different things that we accomplished when he was here.”

Asked if he ever expected to play with Cousins again, Jefferson shook his head and smiled.

“Not really,” Jefferson said. “It’s definitely a surreal moment for him to be here.”

It’s been tough sledding for Jefferson of late. His production dipped significantly last season with a combination of J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer behind center. It’s been even worse this season with new QB Kyler Murray unable to get comfortable.

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Paul Pioneer Press It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Jefferson was thrilled to learn Cousins was returning. The offense has been a disaster this season, currently ranks No. 31 in yards per game (266.8) and No. 27 in points per game (18.3).

The arrival of Cousins should help. With the Raiders, Cousins threw for 2,340 yards (fifth in the NFL) and 20 touchdowns (second).

“It’s much needed at this point in time to kind of switch things up,” Jefferson said. “Hopefully he brings that juice, that energy, and that leadership that we need.”

It would probably help to get Jefferson the ball more often. He only has 31 receptions for 393 yards this season and has somehow only eclipsed 100 yards once in the past 19 games he’s suited up for the Vikings.

Not that Jefferson is expecting to be spammed now that Cousins is back.

“There’s really no expectations,” Jefferson said. “It’s just about going out there and executing our plays.”

Asked about this week about the art of getting Jefferson involved, Cousins expressed confidence that he’d be able to hit the ground running on that front. He added that he won’t force the issue.

“You don’t go chasing things,” Cousins said. “You also understand the player he is.”

There has been a palpable energy in the building this week as Cousins has tried to get up to speed as quickly as possible before the Vikings travel to play the Green Bay Packers on Sunday at Lambeau Field.

You can tell he’s already making his presence felt.

That much was clear on Thursday at TCO Performance Center as the Vikings warmed up at the start of practice with “Higher” by Creed playing in the background. A few players cracked knowing smiles as the song that became synonymous with Cousins once upon a time blared over the loud speakers.

Then it was back to work.

“It’s just a joy to hear him take over and be a leader in the meeting room and on the field,” Jefferson said. “It’s definitely a cool little situation, for sure.”

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