Kirk Cousins is returning to Vikings after trade deadline deal with Raiders

The Minnesota Vikings have reacquired veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins from the Las Vegas Raiders prior to Tuesday's NFL trade deadline. In exchange for the 15-year veteran, Minnesota sent a 2027 third-round draft pick to Las Vegas. Cousins previously played for the Vikings from 2019 to 2023, earning three Pro Bowl selections during that tenure.

The trade addresses Minnesota's struggling offense, which ranks near the bottom of the league in total yardage despite the team's 6-2 record. Las Vegas, sitting at 4-5, appears prepared to transition to rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, while Minnesota sought quarterback reinforcement following an injury to starter Kyler Murray and a difficult outing by backup Carson Wentz.