Detroit Lakes, MN (KDLM) – Kirk Cousins is headed back to Minnesota.
The Vikings have acquired the veteran quarterback from the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a 2027 third-round draft pick, according to reports.
The move came ahead of Tuesday’s 3:00 p.m. NFL trade deadline, a day after Monday night’s 23-6 home loss to the Buffalo Bills. The Vikings held the ball for just over 17 minutes in that game and were outgained 339 yards to 178. Head coach Kevin O’Connell said after the game the team had been talking about moves at several positions.
The Vikings’ offense has been abysmal this season; its 11 touchdowns are tied with the winless Los Angeles Chargers.
Starter Kyler Murray is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Backup Carson Wentz threw two interceptions and lost a fumble against Buffalo before being pulled late in the fourth quarter for Max Brosmer. The Vikings are 6-2 but have lost two straight after a 6-0 start.
Cousins started all nine games for the Raiders this season. He completed 64.1% of his passes for 2,340 yards, with 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Cousins was the Vikings’ starter for six seasons, from 2018 through 2023. He made three Pro Bowls in Minnesota and ranks third on the franchise’s all-time passing yards list. His best year came in 2022, O’Connell’s first season as head coach, when the Vikings went 13-4 and won the NFC North. The two had also worked together earlier in Washington.
Cousins left for the Atlanta Falcons in 2024. After lossing the starting job, he signed a one-year deal with the Raiders, where he was expected to serve as a bridge to the first overall pick, Fernando Mendoza. The Raiders are 4-5. With Cousins gone, Mendoza is expected to start Sunday at 3:05 p.m. at home against the Seattle Seahawks.
The Vikings next face the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Sunday at noon.
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