With franchise quarterback Kirk Cousins set to become a free agent this offseason, the Vikings are a few months away from having to make a big decision.

Will they sign him to a new contract? Will they let him walk away? All of that remains to be seen.

If the past couple of months are any indication, however, the Vikings have to at least be considering the idea of keeping Cousins. They have seen what life can look like without a competent player under center. The deficiencies of veteran Nick Mullens and journeyman Josh Dobbs have underscored the value of Cousins.

Just ask star receiver Justin Jefferson, who, until recently, had never caught a pass in the NFL from anybody other than Cousins.

“It’s definitely tough without him being there,” Jefferson said. “His leadership. His knowledge of the game. His awareness. There’s definitely something missing not having that main piece out there on the table.”

Never was that more apparent to Jefferson than in the immediate aftermath of the Vikings’ 30-24 loss to the Detroit Lions on Christmas Eve.

“I think it goes to show the world the type of player Kirk is,” Jefferson said. “This is a tough league. Not everybody is meant for this job. It’s tough not having No. 8 out there.”

Though the Vikings still have a chance to make the playoffs heading into a home game against the Green Bay Packers on New Year’s Eve, and thus, are focused on this weekend more than anything else, they also have to start thinking about the future at the game’s most important position.

Namely if Cousins is a part of that calculus moving forward. There’s no guarantee he’s going to be the same player he was before suffering the major injury. That won’t be apparent until he is cleared to step back onto the field and starts throwing the ball again.

Asked if he planned to campaign for Cousins to the front office, Jefferson replied, “I definitely will always give that extra word for Kirko.” In that same breath, Jefferson noted that Cousins has built a pretty good case on his own accord, especially considering the way the offense has struggled to function without him.

“I feel like I really don’t have to voice my opinion that much,” Jefferson said. “Just look at his play before he went down.”

Now that doesn’t mean Jefferson would force his way out if the Vikings decide they want to go in a different direction this offseason. He’s simply standing up for his guy, like he’s been known to do throughout his career.

“I feel like I’m always voicing my opinion on Kirk,” Jefferson said. “As much as people don’t want to give him his credit, I’m always the person that gives him his credit.”

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