Kirk Cousins stands out in Justin Jefferson’s production with 10 different Vikings QBs

Nick Mullens posted the highest per-game numbers

But if you look at the numbers per game, Nick Mullens actually stands out, even if his run was short. Across four games with Mullens, Jefferson averaged nearly 116 yards per game. Mullens also delivered the most targets and catches per game, at 10.5 and 7.25, respectively. Of course, that sample is tiny compared to Cousins’ 55 games, so it doesn’t really prove Mullens had a stronger connection, just that Jefferson was highly productive in that brief window.

Darnold put together a solid stretch, too. Jefferson averaged about 88 yards per game in 18 outings with him, snagging 108 catches and 10 touchdowns. Wentz had Jefferson at 81 yards per game in eight games, and McCarthy’s 484 yards came over 10 games with two touchdowns.

The rest barely registered. Jefferson finished with 199 yards alongside Kyler Murray, 106 with Max Brosmer, 58 with Sean Mannion, 27 with Joshua Dobbs and a lowly 13 with Jaren Hall.

Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson reunite in Minnesota

Now that Cousins and Jefferson are back together, it’s fair to expect something special. During their first stint in Minnesota, Jefferson tallied at least 1,400 receiving yards each season, including a great season in 2022 when he hit 1,809 yards, coinciding with Cousins' last full run under O’Connell.

The reunion is good news for the Vikings. The offense has shuffled through quarterbacks ever since Cousins left. While Jefferson stayed among the NFL’s elite, the constant changes made it tough to maintain any rhythm.

Cousins walks back into a familiar setup; he knows Jefferson, he gets O’Connell’s system and the coaching staff understands how to build around his strengths.

That's why their history gives Vikings fans plenty of reasons to feel optimistic, because when Cousins and Jefferson find that groove again, the numbers say it’s something special.