Trading Kirk Cousins to the Vikings Came as Other Quarterback Options Narrowed
Reported by Yardbarker ·
Cousins returns to Minnesota
The Vikings, seeking an upgrade at quarterback, sent the Raiders a 2027 third-round pick for veteran Kirk Cousins. The reunion became official before Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline.
Other quarterback options narrowed
Justin Herbert had been the subject of trade rumors this fall as the Chargers fell to 0-8. The team had signed him to a five-year, $262.5 million contract extension in the summer of 2023.
Colts and Jets stood firm
Before news of the Cousins trade emerged, the 2-7 Jets said they wanted to give head coach Aaron Glenn every chance to show whether he could lead the team going forward. The club therefore did not want to sell players who could help him do that.
Key points
- The Vikings acquired Kirk Cousins from the Raiders for a 2027 third-round pick.
- Cousins previously worked with Kevin O’Connell in Minnesota late in the 2024 season.
- The Chargers appeared set to keep Justin Herbert, who had been linked to trade rumors.
- The Colts reportedly told Jones he would not be traded, while the Jets wanted to retain players for Aaron Glenn.