The Las Vegas Raiders have traded starting quarterback Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a third-round draft pick, completing the deal ahead of Tuesday's 1 p.m. NFL trade deadline. The move ends Cousins' brief tenure with the team and clears the path for No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza to take over as the starter for the final eight games of the season, though the team has not made an official announcement. Former starter Aidan O'Connell remains on the roster.
The 38-year-old veteran was acquired as a bridge quarterback to mentor Mendoza, and he led the Raiders to a 4-5 record while throwing for 2,346 yards and 20 touchdowns. However, a rare opportunity to recoup draft capital emerged after the Vikings' quarterback situation deteriorated. Minnesota turned to Cousins after Kyler Murray struggled prior to a hamstring injury and backup Carson Wentz completed just 8 of 25 passes for 81 yards with two interceptions and a lost fumble in a Monday night loss to Buffalo.
Cousins, who played six seasons in Minnesota with three Pro Bowl selections, reunites with head coach Kevin O'Connell, who previously worked with him in Minnesota and Washington. The Vikings are expected to assume $650,000 in guaranteed money for the remainder of 2026 and $10 million already guaranteed for 2027. The Raiders had indicated a desire to keep Cousins while in postseason contention, but the quarterback acknowledged last month that his role was temporary. "Nothing changes in the sense that if I'm not the best option, then I don't want to be out there either," Cousins said. "I want our football team to have the best chance to win games."
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
English (US)·