Vikings land Kirk Cousins in blockbuster trade deadline deal with Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders have made a last-ditch effort to resolve their quarterback predicament, trading Kirk Cousins back to the NFC. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Raiders will transfer Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings for a 2027 third-round draft choice. Rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza will now take over for the Raiders.

In April, the Raiders inked Cousins to a five-year, $172 million contract, following his tenure with the Atlanta Falcons for two seasons. This season, Cousins has tossed for 2,340 yards, 20 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in nine games, guiding the Raiders to a 4-5 record.

Cousins, who played for the Vikings from 2018 to 2023, earned Pro Bowl honors three times during that period and led Minnesota to two playoff appearances. He departed for the Falcons as a free agent and was subsequently traded back to Las Vegas, only to return once more.

The Raiders' acquisition of Cousins comes after they drafted Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the 2024 draft, reportedly causing tensions between Cousins and the organization. Cousins played in 22 games before being released by the Falcons following the 2025 season.

The Vikings, currently at 6-2, have struggled to find the end zone in their last three games, leading to a loss against the Buffalo Bills 23-6, with Carson Wentz as the quarterback. Wentz completed just eight of his 25 passes for 81 yards and two interceptions. The Vikings also possess Kyler Murray and Max Brosmer on their roster.

Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell acknowledged discussions about various positions, including quarterback, following Monday night's game. He emphasized the team's focus on their performance that evening, which was deemed insufficient.