Justin Jefferson drops truth bomb on Vikings trade with Raiders as ‘much needed’ amid QB struggles

Justin Jefferson has welcomed Kirk Cousins’ return to the Minnesota Vikings after the quarterback was traded from the Raiders, calling the move “much needed”. Jefferson said Cousins knows the team’s plays and how defences cover him, and praised his leadership and control of the offence as Minnesota seeks to improve its attack.

The Vikings’ passing game has struggled since Cousins left after the 2023 season, signing a four-year, $180 million deal with Atlanta. Against Buffalo on Monday, Carson Wentz completed 8 of 25 passes for 81 yards and threw two interceptions, earning a 2.3 quarterback rating; Minnesota’s three quarterbacks have combined for 1,286 passing yards, the NFL’s second-lowest total. Jefferson has recorded 31 catches for 393 yards and four touchdowns this season, while Cousins had 20 touchdowns and 2,340 passing yards with the Raiders.