Kirk Cousins trade grades as Raiders-Vikings swap QB for draft pick

Monday night's loss to the Buffalo Bills seemed to push the Minnesota Vikings to trade for veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. The deal saw the Vikings receive Cousins from the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a 2027 third-round pick. Here are the grades on the trade.

The Raiders' perspective on the trade is positive, with a grade of A. The move allows them to draft Fernando Mendoza with the first-overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, giving them time to develop him alongside Cousins. Additionally, the Raiders will have over $55 million in cap space next offseason, providing more flexibility in their roster construction.

The Vikings, on the other hand, receive a grade of B for the trade. While it makes sense for them to bring in Cousins given their Super Bowl-caliber defense and the presence of star player Justin Jefferson, the decision to overhaul the entire quarterback situation has some concerns. Cousins' six-year tenure with the Minnesota Vikings ended poorly, and his return to the team after a stint with the Atlanta Falcons has been met with mixed reactions.

The Vikings' earlier decisions, such as drafting J.J. McCarthy and his subsequent injury, have contributed to the current situation. While Cousins is an upgrade, the trade process could have been more favorable for Minnesota.