Keyshawn Johnson wants Vikings WR Justin Jefferson should sit out the rest of the season after Kirk Cousins’ injury

Jefferson's contract will run out at the end of the season.

Keyshawn Johnson wants Vikings WR Justin Jefferson should sit out the rest of the season after Kirk Cousins’ injury

Keyshawn Johnson and Justin Jefferson (Image via IMAGO)

When Justin Jefferson returns from injury, he will most likely receive passes from Joshua Dobbs or Jaren Hall instead of his main man, Kirk Cousins. Due to a torn Achilles, the 35-year-old is out for the rest of the season.

FOX Sports analyst Keyshawn Johnson believes that Jefferson should think carefully about getting back on the field. Not only won’t he have the services of Cousins, but there’s also a long-standing hold regarding a contract extension.

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If I am Justin Jefferson, then I am probably not encouraged about coming back to join the Minnesota Vikings when I know we are not going anywhere.
Johnson on FS1’s Undisputed.

The 24-year-old is still on his rookie four-year $13.12 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings, which he signed in 2020. Johnson emphasizes that with a new quarterback at the helm, the situation is currently similar to Schrodinger’s cat. If they are lucky, then the recent winning run will continue, or the season could just collapse. Johnson on this further said,

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I am not overly excited about it, but I am going to do it because I like to play football with my teammates.

The Jefferson contract is set to run out at the end of the season, and yet there hasn’t been any news about an extension. Johnson said that LSU graduates should have a “heart-to-heart talk” with the coaches and general manager about what their plans are.

Why isn’t Justin Jefferson playing for the Minnesota Vikings?

Amidst all the extension talks throughout the offseason, Justin Jefferson entered 2023 with the hopes of acquiring a massive paycheck. But ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Vikings have not held any talks. Jefferson himself claimed that he deserved a paycheck in conjunction with his performance.

Keyshawn Johnson wants Vikings WR Justin Jefferson should sit out the rest of the season after Kirk Cousins' injury
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (Image via IMAGO)

He started five games, gained 571 yards, and scored three touchdowns before getting injured during the 20-27 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs. During the second quarter, he suffered a strained hamstring and did not rejoin the game. Later, the Vikings placed him on injured reserve.

General manager Kweshi Adofo Mensah revealed in a recent press brief that Justin Jefferson is close to making a full recovery. However, there’s no guarantee that he will be ready by the time they face the New Orleans Saints. He also confirmed that Jaren Hall will take Cousins’ place for the time being.

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