Vikings spend a third-round draft pick as Kirk Cousins trade grades weigh Raiders QB swap
Cousins returns to Minnesota
The Vikings acquired Cousins after Wentz struggled in a loss to the Buffalo Bills while filling in for injured Kyler Murray. Cousins previously spent six years in Minnesota and is familiar with coach Kevin O’Connell’s offense.
Minnesota sees the veteran as an upgrade at quarterback and a way to stabilize its offense. The team has a strong defense and talent around the position, including Justin Jefferson, giving it reason to pursue a playoff push.
Raiders turn toward Mendoza
The Raiders signed Cousins last offseason on a deal reported as five years and up to $172 million. In practice, it was a fully guaranteed one-year contract worth $20 million for 2026, with the Atlanta Falcons covering nearly half of the guaranteed amount.
Cousins’ arrival had allowed Las Vegas to take time with Fernando Mendoza, whom it selected first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. With the Raiders likely outside the playoff picture, the team can turn to Mendoza and use the added draft capital to build around him next spring. The Raiders are also projected to have more than $55 million in cap space next offseason.
A winding quarterback path
Minnesota let Cousins test free agency in 2024, and he signed with Atlanta. The Vikings then traded up to draft J.J. McCarthy, but a preseason knee injury cost him his rookie season.
Sam Darnold led Minnesota to 14 wins and a playoff berth in 2024 before joining Seattle. McCarthy was set to take over, but a high-ankle sprain in Week 2 disrupted his season; the team later signed Murray, named Wentz his backup, and traded McCarthy to the New York Giants.
A costly fix for Minnesota
Murray’s injury and Wentz’s ineffective play brought Minnesota back to Cousins. The Vikings are paying a third-round pick for the reunion, which offers an immediate quarterback upgrade but follows a series of changes at the position.
Cousins could help the Vikings make the most of their current roster, but the route to this deal included injuries, departures and decisions that did not work out as hoped. For the Raiders, the trade creates an opening for Mendoza and adds future resources.
Key points
- Minnesota is sending a third-round pick to acquire Kirk Cousins from the Raiders.
- Cousins returns to the Vikings after six seasons with the team.
- The Raiders can turn to first-overall pick Fernando Mendoza and gain draft capital.
- Minnesota’s quarterback plans have been disrupted by multiple injuries and changes.