Kirk Cousins Returns To Vikings In Trade With Raiders

Cousins Returns To Minnesota

The Minnesota Vikings have acquired quarterback Kirk Cousins in a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders. Minnesota sent a 2027 third round draft pick to Las Vegas to complete the deal. Cousins could make his first start on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.

His previous stint with Minnesota ended on Oct. 29, 2023. In that game at Lambeau Field, Cousins threw for 274 yards and two touchdowns before tearing his right Achilles tendon. Since that injury, Minnesota has struggled for stability, trying eight different starting quarterbacks and making 14 in season quarterback changes over three years.

Pressure Increases On Head Coach

The decision to trade for Cousins follows a poor performance on Monday night. Carson Wentz started at U.S. Bank Stadium in place of the injured Kyler Murray and delivered the worst game by a Minnesota starting quarterback since 2006. The Vikings started the season 6-0 but have now dropped two games in a row.

Team owners Zygi and Mark Wilf want to protect a strong defense and special teams unit. The owners already fired general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, who arrived in 2022 alongside head coach Kevin O'Connell. O'Connell reports directly to the Wilfs rather than new general manager Nolan Teasley. If Cousins cannot turn the passing game around, O'Connell will face heavy scrutiny after the season.

Before finalizing the trade for Cousins, Minnesota explored other possibilities. They considered Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones as a potential option and made a basic inquiry about Geno Smith of the New York Jets. Bringing back Cousins ultimately made the most sense given his familiarity with O'Connell's system.

New Era In Las Vegas

The departure of Cousins opens the starting job in Las Vegas for Fernando Mendoza. Mendoza was the first pick in the 2026 NFL draft and won the Heisman Trophy. Las Vegas quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan praised Mendoza for showing stronger command during his debut against the New England Patriots in Week 5.

The move also brings hope to Minnesota wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Jefferson has averaged a career low 56.1 receiving yards per game this season after averaging 61.6 yards per game in 2025. In four seasons with Cousins, Jefferson averaged 98 receiving yards per game and scored 8.5 touchdowns per 17 game pace.