Raiders chose Kirk Cousins trade over a veteran push for the playoffs

A trade neither side expected

Spytek said he had not discussed a potential trade with Cousins before Tuesday. He also said the Raiders had no expectation the deal was coming. The general manager said he had received a few calls about Cousins but made none himself. One call from Minnesota that morning became a serious offer, he said. Cousins is returning to the Vikings, where he played from 2018 through 2023.

Minnesota needed quarterback help

The Vikings’ need for a quarterback became more apparent after a 23-6 home loss to Buffalo in Week 9. Carson Wentz, filling in for Kyler Murray, completed 8 of 25 passes for 81 yards and threw two interceptions before Max Brosmer replaced him late in the game.

Murray had recorded an 86.6 passer rating across six games, a below-average mark. The article notes he might not have performed much better against the Bills.

Raiders weigh present and future

At 4-5, Las Vegas was third in the AFC West, behind Kansas City at 6-2 and Denver at 7-2, and remained in the playoff race. Cousins, 38, could have offered more help for a postseason run than rookie Fernando Mendoza, the article says.

But the Raiders need to give Mendoza experience. He had played one game, without a start, and the article identifies him as the 2026 No. 1 overall pick. Cousins was on a one-year contract and was not viewed as the franchise’s future.

Minnesota’s offer sets direction

Spytek said the Raiders had to choose between moving forward with Cousins for the final eight games or accepting what Minnesota offered. The team decided to take the offer, he said, noting Cousins understood the focus on Mendoza when he joined Las Vegas.

The Raiders hope Mendoza can lead them to the playoffs. The pick acquired in the trade could also help the team build around him, even if Las Vegas does not reach the postseason.