The Minnesota Vikings acquired quarterback Kirk Cousins from the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a 2027 third-round draft pick ahead of the NFL trade deadline, Yahoo News reported.
Cousins returns to the franchise where he played six seasons from 2018 to 2023, making three Pro Bowl appearances and throwing 171 touchdowns against 55 interceptions across 88 starts. During his first stint in Minnesota, the team reached the playoffs twice but did not advance past the divisional round.
Yahoo News reported that the Vikings pursued several other quarterbacks, including Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers, Daniel Jones of the Indianapolis Colts, and Geno Smith of the New York Jets, before securing Cousins.
The move follows offensive difficulties for the Vikings under backup Carson Wentz, who completed 8 of 25 passes for 81 yards and two interceptions in a loss to the Buffalo Bills, alongside Kyler Murray remaining sidelined by an injury, according to Yahoo News.
Minnesota holds a 6-2 record and the league’s top-ranked scoring defense, but its offense ranks 27th overall by averaging 18.3 points per game and 31st in the passing game. Head coach Kevin O’Connell strongly advocated for an experienced quarterback with playoff ambitions, Touchdown Actu reported.
Cousins reconnects with star wide receiver Justin Jefferson, which team leadership expects to shorten his adjustment period. In nine starts this season for Las Vegas, Cousins recorded 2,340 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions, compiling a 4-5 record.
With Cousins departing, the Las Vegas Raiders transition their starting quarterback role to rookie Fernando Mendoza, the team’s top draft pick. Mendoza is slated to direct the offense as the franchise quarterback moving forward, according to Yahoo News.
Touchdown Actu noted that Cousins originally entered the season as a transitional starter in Las Vegas while mentoring the rookie. Mendoza faces an immediate test with upcoming games against the Seattle Defense and Denver Defense.
Kirk Cousins is set to make his return debut for Minnesota this Sunday when the Vikings travel to face the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Touchdown Actu reported that Cousins’ final appearance for the Vikings in 2023 also took place against Green Bay at the same venue.
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