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The Minnesota Vikings are interested in trading for quarterback Kirk Cousins as the trade deadline approaches, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Schefter notes that the Vikings identified Cousins as a prime trade candidate with the deadline arriving.
Cousins’ Career and Potential Return to Minnesota
Cousins holds a 4-5 record across his nine starts for the Las Vegas Raiders this season, completing 64.1% of his passes for an average of 7.4 yards per attempt, along with 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He initially joined the Raiders on a one-year contract this past offseason to start and mentor top overall selection Fernando Mendoza. With the Raiders struggling in the playoff race and the Vikings seeking a quarterback upgrade, both teams could complete a deal.
During his previous six seasons in Minnesota, Cousins went 50-37-1 as the starter with a 67.9% completion rate, 7.6 yards per attempt, 171 touchdowns, and 55 interceptions. The Vikings reached the playoffs twice during that span, while Cousins went 1-2 in three postseason appearances.
Cousins signed a fully guaranteed three-year, $84 million contract with Minnesota in 2018, followed by a two-year, $66 million extension in 2020 and a one-year, $35 million extension in 2022. After playing out his final year in 2023 and suffering an Achilles tear before free agency, he signed a four-year, $180 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta drafted Michael Penix Jr. eighth overall months later, leading to Cousins spending 2025 as a backup until an injury to Penix thrust him back into the starting lineup. Released by Atlanta, he subsequently signed with the Raiders, and now could return to lead the 6-2 Vikings.
Why the Vikings Need a Quarterback Change
The Vikings have utilized Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz this season, receiving poor output at the position that was highlighted by a “Monday Night Football” loss to the Buffalo Bills. Murray, Wentz, and Max Brosmer combined for a 60.9% completion rate, 6.4 yards per attempt, eight touchdowns, and five interceptions over eight games.
This inadequate play has limited star receiver Justin Jefferson to 31 catches for 393 yards and four touchdowns on 51 targets, while deep threat Jordan Addison has been underutilized with 18 receptions for 277 yards and one score. Additionally, the struggling passing game has hindered the rushing attack. With Minnesota boasting one of the league’s top defenses, the previous level of quarterback performance was deemed unacceptable.
Raiders Prepare to Unleash Fernando Mendoza
Mendoza, the top overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, spent the first half of his rookie season learning behind Cousins. While Mendoza displays a stronger arm and greater mobility than Cousins, the two share similarities in size, stature, and playing style.
Mendoza has made one appearance this season, completing 6 of 8 passes for 48 yards during a blowout loss to the New England Patriots. Operating under play-caller Klint Kubiak with tight end Brock Bowers as a target, Mendoza will take over an offense that has featured an ineffective running game.
If Cousins is traded, Mendoza will immediately face a demanding schedule starting against the Seattle Seahawks, followed by matchups against strong defenses in Denver and Cleveland before a bye week. Post-bye games include the Los Angeles Chargers, Tennessee Titans, and Arizona Cardinals, ahead of late-season rematches with the Denver Broncos and the Kansas City Chiefs.
