Vikings Acquire Kirk Cousins From Raiders as Fernando Mendoza Takes Over in Las Vegas

Kirk Cousins trade to Minnesota Vikings, Digi Mart USA News: The Minnesota Vikings have acquired veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins from the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2027 draft, according to multiple reports, including from ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

The move reunites Cousins with the franchise where he spent six seasons, from 2018 to 2023. It gives Minnesota an experienced option under center as the team looks to revive its season.

The Vikings had started 6-0 thanks to their standout defense, but they have lost their last two games.

Former No. 1 overall pick Kyler Murray had been Minnesota’s starter, but he has been underwhelming in his first season with the team. He missed Monday’s loss to the Buffalo Bills through injury.

His replacement, Carson Wentz, threw two interceptions and was lucky to avoid another in a dreadful performance.

After Monday’s loss, Minnesota head coach Kevin O’Connell admitted the team was looking at other options. “We’ve had dialogue about a lot of different positions,” O’Connell said.

“Tight turnaround, obviously, playing the Monday night game, and we’ll get right to work on any potential moves that can be there. But really just focused on the game tonight, which was not good enough in any way, shape or form.”

Cousins played two seasons under O’Connell in Minnesota and made the Pro Bowl in 2022, throwing for 4,547 yards with 29 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Star receiver Justin Jefferson also thrived with Cousins that season, leading the league in catches (128) and receiving yards (1,809).

However, at 38, Cousins is not a long-term solution at quarterback for the Vikings, who have struggled on offense this season despite Jefferson’s talents.

For Las Vegas, the trade clears the way for No. 1 overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza to become the starting quarterback. The Raiders, who sit at 4-5, will throw the rookie straight into the deep end.

His first two scheduled NFL starts come against two of the league’s toughest defenses, in Seattle and Denver.