Kirk Cousins is heading back to the Minnesota Vikings, who acquired the quarterback from the Las Vegas Raiders before Tuesday’s trade deadline.
Minnesota sent a 2027 third-round draft pick to Vegas for Cousins, who played with the Vikings from 2018 to 2023. The 38-year-old can rejuvenate a listless passing offense that stumbled in Monday night’s 23-6 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Cousins responded to the trade by posting an old photo of him jogging onto the field in his No. 8 Vikings jersey.
“See you soon, MN!” Cousins wrote with a “Skol” hashtag.
Cousins also sent a message to Raiders fans and encouraged his successor, rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
“Thank you Raider Nation! Go get em @fernandomendoza,” Cousins posted on his Instagram stories.
Cousins, Vikings reunite
Adam Bettcher/Getty Images
Tuesday’s biggest trade makes sense for both sides.
After losing five of their last six games, the Raiders can begin the Mendoza era. They received a Day 2 draft pick for a one-year offseason signing who played well enough to avoid an earlier quarterback change.
Meanwhile, the Vikings get a massive upgrade in a familiar face. Before the move, Cousins collected 2,340 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and a 97.1 quarterback rating in nine starts.
Kevin O’Connell would love to get that level of production, as the Vikings have averaged 160.8 passing yards per game with eight touchdowns and an 82.0 quarterback rating this season. Carson Wentz got benched after throwing two interceptions on Monday night.
The Vikings stood tall as the NFL’s last remaining undefeated team at 6-0, but they’re now tied for second place in a stacked NFC North after back-to-back losses. Pairing a stout defense with an improved passing attack could keep them in the playoff picture.
Cousins may quickly reignite an old rivalry if he makes his Vikings return at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers this Sunday.
