Raiders turn to No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza as Vikings acquire Kirk Cousins for starting QB role

Cousins returns to Minnesota

The Vikings plan to install Cousins as their starting quarterback after agreeing to send the Raiders a third-round pick. The deal was made at Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline.

Cousins spent six seasons with Minnesota, from 2018 through 2023, including two years under current coach Kevin O’Connell. His familiarity with the offense could help ease his transition, although the move comes during the season.

Raiders hand Mendoza the reins

The trade is expected to make Fernando Mendoza the Raiders’ starter, possibly this week against the Seattle Seahawks. Mendoza was the No. 1 overall selection in the 2026 draft and had been behind Cousins this season.

The Vikings receive an experienced quarterback, while Las Vegas gets draft compensation and a chance to begin Mendoza’s development as a starter. His first regular-season start could come against the defending Super Bowl champions.

Cousins brings mixed results

Cousins has thrown 20 touchdown passes and eight interceptions this season. He has had four games with three touchdown passes, but threw three interceptions against the San Francisco 49ers last weekend.

Minnesota believes the move can improve an offense that has struggled to find a reliable starter. The team has a championship-caliber defense, but inconsistent quarterback play has made it difficult to win regularly.

Minnesota’s quarterback path

The Vikings did not re-sign Sam Darnold after his breakthrough 2024 season; he later joined Seattle and became a Super Bowl champion. They then relied on J.J. McCarthy, whose season was disrupted by a high-ankle sprain and a hand fracture.

Minnesota brought in Kyler Murray this offseason, and he beat McCarthy for the starting job. Murray later suffered a concussion in the opener and a hamstring injury last week, while the offense ranked near the bottom of the league.

McCarthy moves on

McCarthy is now starting for the Giants, who are in the playoff hunt. Minnesota, meanwhile, is turning back to Cousins to address a quarterback position that has remained unsettled since his departure in 2024.