The Minnesota Vikings contacted the Las Vegas Raiders about a potential trade for quarterback Kirk Cousins at noon on Monday, hours before facing the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football, league sources told ESPN and NFL Network.
During that initial conversation, Minnesota officials told the Raiders they wanted to see how the Monday night matchup played out before holding further talks, but would check back if needed, according to sources.
Early Tuesday morning, before 6 a.m. PT and following an offensive collapse by Minnesota, the Vikings placed a follow-up call to the Raiders to get trade discussions moving.
The Raiders initially had no desire to make the deal, particularly when Minnesota’s opening offer was a fifth-round draft choice, sources said.
Talks gained traction once the Vikings upgraded their bid to a third-round selection, prompting Las Vegas to weigh the merits of the transaction.
Under the final terms discussed, the Raiders would land a third-round pick while clearing $10 million in cash for the 2027 season because Minnesota assumed responsibility for Cousins’ guaranteed bonus.
Las Vegas management concluded the move served the organization’s best interests, despite their initial reluctance to move the veteran quarterback.
Raiders evaluators also believed that 2026 No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza looked phenomenal in practice, creating a window to insert him into the lineup.
Kirk Cousins will start for the Vikings on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, while Mendoza makes his first career start against the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
The NFL competition committee is expected to discuss potential fixes this offseason after multiple trades fell apart or were altered over a turbulent week, according to sources.
Last season, the Raiders and Baltimore Ravens agreed to a trade involving pass rusher Maxx Crosby before he failed his physical, resulting in the trade’s cancellation.
When the Vikings performed due diligence on potential quarterback additions by calling the San Francisco 49ers, general manager John Lynch set a steep price.
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