It’s a different era now for Justin Jefferson and the Vikings.

Kirk Cousins has opted to take his talents to the Atlanta Falcons, marking the first time since Jefferson entered the NFL that he won’t have Cousins as his quarterback.

Jefferson expressed mixed feelings upon learning of Cousins’ departure. In an interview on The Rich Eisen Show, he acknowledged his surprise but also understood Cousins’ decision. Jefferson emphasized that he knew Cousins always prioritized his business interests and believed that things weren’t entirely as Cousins desired during his time in Minnesota.

Having recently signed a substantial contract extension himself, Jefferson harbors no resentment towards Cousins for leaving via free agency. He acknowledged the business aspect of the NFL, recognizing that players must make decisions that benefit themselves and their families. Jefferson expressed gratitude for what Cousins contributed to his career and their accomplishments together but emphasized the necessity of moving forward.

During their time together, with Cousins leading the Vikings’ offense, Jefferson amassed impressive statistics, setting records for receiving yards in the first four seasons of any NFL player’s career. Looking ahead, Jefferson remains confident in his ability to perform regardless of who is throwing him the ball. He sees it as his role to support and make the quarterback’s job easier, whether it’s Cousins, Sam Darnold, or rookie JJ McCarthy, who are now part of the Vikings’ quarterback depth chart.