Schultz Explains How Raiders and Vikings Reached Deal for Kirk Cousins

NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported details on how the Las Vegas Raiders and Minnesota Vikings agreed to a trade sending quarterback Kirk Cousins to Minnesota for a third-round draft pick. Following struggles by Carson Wentz, the Vikings initiated talks and pursued Cousins after exploring options involving Justin Herbert, Daniel Jones, and Geno Smith. Minnesota ownership and head coach Kevin O'Connell strongly supported acquiring Cousins.

According to Schultz, Las Vegas initially sought a second-round pick before ultimately accepting Minnesota's own third-round selection. Raiders Beat writer Warren Mitchell argues that securing a third-round selection represents a major success for Raiders general manager John Spytek, noting it exceeded prior expectations of a fourth-round return for the veteran quarterback.