Kirk Cousins headed back to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a third-round pick sent to the Las Vegas Raiders before the NFL trade deadline closed, according to reports.
The move marks a reunion between Minnesota and the veteran quarterback, who parted ways with the franchise two and a half years ago. The Vikings’ subsequent search for a long-term solution at the position included stints with Kyler and Wentz, which proved less effective than Cousins.
Minnesota head coach Kevin O’Connell brought back Cousins, whose past play showed he could make the offense function. CBS Sports said that the transaction was part of a busy trade deadline across the league, which featured 18 trades between the start of the regular season and the deadline.
Jaguars and Bills Make Major Defensive Additions
The Jacksonville Jaguars emerged as the most aggressive buyers on deadline day, acquiring defensive tackle Jordan Davis and a draft pick from the Philadelphia Eagles for a first- and second-round selection. Jacksonville also added safety Jessie Bates from the Atlanta Falcons for a second- and fifth-round pick, alongside defensive tackle Davon Godchaux from the New Orleans Saints for a sixth-round pick.
In the AFC East, the Buffalo Bills addressed their secondary by trading a 2027 second-round pick to the Tennessee Titans for safety Amani Hooker and a 2027 fifth-round pick. CBS Sports reported that Hooker arrived in the middle of a standout season featuring five interceptions.
Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs added slot receiver Josh Downs from the Indianapolis Colts to improve their passing attack alongside Patrick Mahomes. In the AFC North, the Baltimore Ravens traded for quarterback Jacoby Brissett and center Ryan Neuzil.
Bengals Cancel Trade After Cap Analysis
The Cincinnati Bengals sought to acquire depth pass rusher Arnold Ebiketie from the Eagles on Tuesday. However, the deal fell through after Cincinnati realized that the move would cause the team to lose a compensatory pick.
According to the source reporting the incident, the front office reversed course after the public clarification revealed the oversight regarding compensatory free agent calculations.
Other deadline activity included the San Francisco 49ers acquiring wide receiver Keenan Allen from the Indianapolis Colts, while the Denver Broncos added linebacker Daiyan Henley from the Los Angeles Chargers for a fourth- and fifth-round selection.
TRADE: The Vikings are acquiring QB Kirk Cousins from the Raiders in a blockbuster trade, per ESPN. TRADE SUMMARY 🔶 Vikings receive: QB Kirk Cousins 🔶 Raiders receive: 2027 3rd-round pick Cousins returns to Minnesota after previously spending 6 seasons with the Vikings,… pic.twitter.com/2LdQNwUstg
More on Kirk Cousins
NFL trade deadline is done. Contenders got better. The Patriots did nothing. Biggest moves: • Vikings get Kirk Cousins back • Chiefs add Josh Downs • Bills land Amani Hooker • Broncos grab Daiyan Henley • 49ers get Keenan Allen Bears (Simmons) and Jaguars (Davis + more)…
Kirk Cousins is a Viking again. The Raiders traded him back to Minnesota on Tuesday, a day after Carson Wentz was benched in a 23-6 loss to the Bills, two years after the Vikings let him leave in free agency. Spotrac projects his career earnings at about $343 million, second in… pic.twitter.com/K7w78XUqsc
🏈TRADE DEADLINE RECAP: VIKINGS GET THEIR GUY, COLTS KEEP SELLING, AND FANTASY JUST GOT MESSY Deadline day delivered. The Vikings reunited with Kirk Cousins, the 49ers and Chiefs grabbed receivers, and the Colts kept shipping pieces. Here’s the full picture with the fantasy… pic.twitter.com/0Q9J7x6D05
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