The Minnesota Vikings have reacquired quarterback Kirk Cousins from the Las Vegas Raiders in a trade finalized just before the NFL’s trade deadline.
The move sends a 2027 third-round draft pick to Las Vegas, as the Vikings seek to stabilize an offense that has struggled throughout the season. The transaction is currently pending a physical.
Cousins, 38, returns to Minnesota where he previously spent six seasons from 2018 to 2023. He reunites with head coach Kevin O’Connell, under whom he played during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. This acquisition comes after the Vikings exhausted multiple options at the position, including Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz, following the departure of J.J. McCarthy, who was traded to the New York Giants on September 28.
Addressing Offensive Struggles
Despite a defensive unit that ranks among the league’s best, the Vikings’ offense has faced significant challenges, ranking 27th in points and 31st in both total yards and passing.
The team has been held to 16 points or fewer in five of their first eight games. Cousins arrives as a familiar solution to lead an offense that features wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Cousins is expected to provide the consistency the Vikings have lacked.
Transition in Las Vegas
For the Raiders, the trade marks a shift toward the future. Cousins, who joined Las Vegas in April, started all nine games this season, throwing for 2,340 yards, 20 touchdowns, and eight interceptions while leading the team to a 4-5 record. Following his departure, Fernando Mendoza, the first overall pick in the 2026 draft, will take over as the starting quarterback for the Silver and Black.
Should Cousins be cleared to play in Week 10, his first game back with the Vikings will be against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, the same opponent he faced in his final game for Minnesota in 2023. Due to the teams’ differing schedules regarding bye weeks, Cousins could potentially appear in 18 games this season.
More on Kirk Cousins
BREAKING: The Raiders are trading veteran QB Kirk Cousins to the Vikings (Pelissero). Cousins spent six seasons with the Vikings from 2018-2023. Now, he’s headed back to Minnesota as the team makes a move at quarterback ahead of the trade deadline. Trade Summary: Vikings… pic.twitter.com/V9tf25XfEI
The Vikings have brought QB Kirk Cousins back to Minnesota, for a third-round pick in 2027. https://t.co/S5yKM31NdW
