Quarterback needs drive deal as Vikings bring Kirk Cousins back from Raiders ahead of trade deadline
Cousins returns to Minnesota
The Vikings agreed to acquire Cousins from the Raiders before the deadline, according to the report. The trade sends Minnesota’s slotted 2027 third-round pick to Las Vegas; Minnesota still has the pick it received from Philadelphia for Jonathan Greenard.
Cousins, 38, played for Minnesota from 2018 through 2023. His final season there ended in October 2023 when he tore his Achilles.
Vikings’ quarterback situation
Minnesota entered the report with a 6-2 record and had been seeking an upgrade at quarterback. Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz had not satisfied the team with their performances during the fall.
Cousins is expected to prepare for Minnesota’s Nov. 15 game at Green Bay, which had a 6-3 record. The Vikings could move on from him as soon as the coming offseason.
Raiders turn to Mendoza
Las Vegas is 4-5, and the trade clears the way for Fernando Mendoza to become its starting quarterback. The Raiders’ No. 1 overall pick is expected to start against the 5-4 Seattle Seahawks on Nov. 15.
Mendoza’s first two career starts are scheduled to come against Seattle and Denver, described in the report as two of the NFL’s top defenses. Aidan O’Connell remains in the Raiders’ quarterback room.
Key points
- Minnesota acquired Cousins from Las Vegas for its slotted 2027 third-round pick.
- The Vikings will pay Cousins’ minimum base salary for the rest of the season.
- Cousins is expected to prepare for Minnesota’s Nov. 15 game at Green Bay.
- Fernando Mendoza is set to become the Raiders’ starting quarterback.