“It’s a business”: Justin Jefferson talks Kirk Cousins signing with Falcons

The Falcons most important offseason acquisition was Kirk Cousins, who inked a $180 million free agent deal to leave the Vikings for Atlanta.

Minnesota ended up replacing the veteran by way of Sam Darnold and J.J. McCarthy. The biggest loser in this entire situation may be Justin Jefferson, who won Offensive Player of the Year honors with Cousins throwing him the ball.

The superstar wide receiver told Rich Eisen last week that there were no hard feelings, though.

“I feel like he just wanted a new start, a new opportunity to start with Atlanta. A clean slate. I’m not mad at him at all for that,” Jefferson said. “I’m grateful for what he’s brought to me and the things we accomplished together. But at the end of the day, it’s a business, and you’ve gotta do what you’ve gotta do for yourself and your family. I clearly understand that. It’s on to the next.”

Justin Jefferson understands the nuances of business in the NFL that some fans still can’t wrap their heads around. The Falcons were willing to offer more money in every facet of the contract than the Vikings, and that’s why Kirk Cousins is in Atlanta. There’s no other reason.

While Jefferson now gets familiar with two young signal callers, Falcons pass catchers are rejoicing they finally have a worthwhile thrower under center. Nobody stands to benefit more from Cousins’ arrival than Kyle Pitts and Drake London.

The two top 10 picks haven’t had the start to their respective careers as they’d imagined, but that’s all about to change in 2024. The Falcons will become an infinitely better offense with Cousins instead of Desmond Ridder, and I don’t think fans realize what we are in store for.

No, Kirk Cousins isn’t a Hall of Fame talent, but he might as well be considering what we have been through the past two seasons with Ridder, Marcus Mariota, and Taylor Heinicke.

Justin Jefferson’s loss is the Falcons’ gain.

—

Photographer: Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire