Kirk Cousins Trade Grades: Vikings Are Officially in Super Bowl-or-Bust Mode

Cousins returns to Minnesota

The Raiders and Vikings have completed a deal sending Cousins to Minnesota in exchange for a 2027 third-round selection. He spent six seasons with the Vikings, from 2018 through 2023, and will reunite with coach Kevin O’Connell.

Cousins started 25 games under O’Connell in 2022 and 2023, leading Minnesota to a 17–8 record. Across those starts, he threw for 6,878 yards, 47 touchdowns and 19 interceptions.

A familiar first opponent

His first game back with the Vikings is scheduled for this Sunday, also against the Packers at Lambeau Field. The following Sunday night, Minnesota is set to face the 49ers in Mexico City; Cousins’ last Raiders game was against San Francisco.

Minnesota seeks steadier quarterback play

The Vikings have lost two straight and are 6–2. In his third start of the season, Carson Wentz completed 8 of 25 passes for 81 yards and threw two interceptions as the offense scored six points.

Minnesota’s defense is allowing 14.5 points per game, the league’s lowest figure, and 280.0 yards per game, second-lowest. The team also has receiver Justin Jefferson, tight end T.J. Hockenson and an offensive line featuring Christian Darrisaw, Will Fries and Brian O’Neill.

Raiders hand reins to Mendoza

Cousins threw for 2,340 yards and 20 touchdowns with Las Vegas, but the Raiders are 4–5 and outside the AFC playoff picture. Their defense is allowing an NFL-high 29.8 points per game.

The Raiders will make Fernando Mendoza their starting quarterback as they prepare to host the Seahawks in Week 10. The 23-year-old led Indiana to an undefeated regular season and national championship in 2025, won the Heisman Trophy and was selected No. 1 by Las Vegas in April’s draft.