Minnesota Vikings Target Trade For Raiders Quarterback Kirk Cousins.
The Minnesota Vikings are considering a trade for Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins ahead of the league’s trade deadline, according to ESPN league sources cited by Adam Schefter.
Vikings Evaluate Quarterback Market After Offensive Struggles
The Vikings evaluated the quarterback market as the trade deadline arrived at 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, following a 23-6 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Nov. 9 where the offense failed to score a touchdown for the third time this season. Carson Wentz started that game and completed 8 of 25 passes for 81 yards with two interceptions, producing a quarterback rating of 2.3 that ranked as the lowest in the NFL this season.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell addressed the team’s quarterback situation after the Buffalo defeat.
Cousins’ Season With Las Vegas
Cousins has started all nine games for the Raiders this campaign, completing 64.1% of his passes for 2,340 yards with 20 touchdown passes and eight interceptions. Fernando Mendoza, selected first overall in the draft, serves as his backup in Las Vegas.
Previous Tenure in Minnesota
Cousins previously played under O’Connell in Minnesota during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. In 2022, he earned Pro Bowl honors after passing for 4,547 yards with 29 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
Wide receiver Justin Jefferson reached career highs during that 2022 season alongside Cousins. Jefferson led the NFL with 128 receptions, 1,809 receiving yards, and 106.4 receiving yards per game, adding eight receiving touchdowns.
The Raiders are trading QB Kirk Cousins to the Vikings for Minnesota's slotted third-round pick, per source. Minnesota still has the pick it acquired for Jonathan Greenard from Philly. Fernando Mendoza is officially the starter in Vegas.
Cousins’ 2023 season ended after eight starts when he suffered a torn Achilles tendon against the Green Bay Packers. The Vikings currently roster Kyler Murray and Max Brosmer alongside Wentz as they weigh their options before the deadline passes.
Unresolved Roster Decisions
Team officials have not announced whether a formal trade offer has been extended to Las Vegas, leaving the quarterback rotation uncertain as game week preparations continue.
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