The Minnesota Vikings are trading for quarterback Kirk Cousins from the Las Vegas Raiders, ESPN reported on Tuesday afternoon. This move brings the 38-year-old signal-caller back to the franchise where he played from 2018 to 2023. The team needs a reliable starter after Carson Wentz threw two interceptions and completed only eight of 25 passes in Monday night’s loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Vikings executives watched the game and realized the offense must change. The team currently sits at 6-2 but has struggled to score, with their offense ranked 31st in the NFL for passing yards. Cousins has 2,340 passing yards and 20 touchdowns through nine games this season with the Raiders. His return offers a known quantity for a roster that needs immediate help to stay in the playoff hunt.
The Cost of Waiting Too Long
Minnesota started the season 6-0, but back-to-back losses exposed a deep hole at the quarterback position. Carson Wentz posted a 2.3 QBR, which was the lowest for any quarterback in the league this season. The team’s offense has only scored 11 touchdowns all year, a total tied with the winless Los Angeles Chargers. Head coach Kevin O’Connell admitted the situation requires action before the deadline.
After Monday’s defeat, “We’ve had dialogue about a lot of different positions,” coach Kevin O’Connell addressed the potential quarterback trade when questioned. He noted the tight turnaround but confirmed the team is working on potential moves. The Vikings also have Kyler Murray on the roster, yet Murray missed Monday’s game with a hamstring strain. The front office knows that waiting for Murray to heal is not a plan that wins games.
A Veteran Leader Returns Home
Cousins is among the most productive quarterbacks in the team’s history. He ranks third all-time in passing yards with 23,265 and second in touchdowns with 171. His career completion percentage of 67.9 and passer rating of 101.2 lead all Vikings quarterbacks who started more than 17 games. The team reached the playoffs twice with him, including a wild-card win over the New Orleans Saints in 2019.
Star receiver Justin Jefferson knows the value of having a quarterback who can deliver the ball. Jefferson recorded 1,809 receiving yards and 128 catches while playing with Cousins in 2022. When asked if the team needs a trade, Jefferson pointed the finger at management rather than himself.
In April, the Raiders brought in Cousins with a one-year contract to cover the interim until rookie Fernando Mendoza arrives. Las Vegas is now 4-5 and has lost five of six games. Minnesota is desperate for a difference-making player, and Cousins fits the bill for a short-term fix. The trade deadline is Tuesday at 4 p.m.
