Vikings trade for Kirk Cousins: Minnesota reunites with former QB in deal with Raiders

It was the most obvious fit. Once it became clear the Vikings would be in the market for a quarterback at the trade deadline, both Cousins and Indianapolis Colts starter Daniel Jones came up as popular options, as both players spent time with the team in recent seasons.

Of that pair, Cousins has actually performed well this season. Thanks to his resurgence, the Raiders rank a surprising eighth in points per game in 2026. The team ranked dead last in that category last season.

Cousins has played a significant role in the team’s offensive turnaround. The 38-year-old has thrown 20 touchdowns against eight interceptions in nine games. Only Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has more passing touchdowns this season, and he’s getting MVP buzz.

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Thanks to Cousins’ performance, the Raiders sent signals ahead of the trade deadline suggesting they wanted to keep the veteran passer. While that could have been a ploy to increase Cousins’ value, it also made some sense. At 4-5, the Raiders are still in playoff contention. Reaching the postseason in Klint Kubiak’s first year would be a significant accomplishment, especially considering the team held the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The presence of that selection — Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza — may have ultimately resulted in the team altering course and trading Cousins. The Raiders have been hesitant to thrust Mendoza into action thus far, but it was always expected he would see the field eventually in 2026. With the trade, the Raiders have signaled it’s officially the Mendoza era in Las Vegas.

For the Vikings, the move should be viewed as a significant upgrade. The team’s original solution at quarterback — Kyler Murray — hasn’t proved to be the answer in his six starts. And after Wentz threw for just 81 yards in Week 9 — with three turnovers — it became obvious someone else needed to be brought in. With the Vikings’ defense playing at an elite level, the only thing separating the team from being a legitimate Super Bowl contender was competent quarterback play.

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Cousins was always the best option on the table. Given his performance and familiarity with the franchise, Cousins immediately gives the Vikings Super Bowl upside.

While Cousins is familiar with the Vikings’ offense, it’s unclear when he’ll take the field with the team. The team’s next game will take place at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

If Cousins does start for the Vikings in that game, it would mark his first start with the franchise since Week 8 of the 2023 NFL season. His opponent that week: The Packers at Lambeau Field.