The Minnesota Vikings have reunited with quarterback Kirk Cousins, acquiring the veteran from the Las Vegas Raiders in a trade ahead of the NFL trade deadline. Minnesota sent a 2027 third-round draft pick to Las Vegas, while the Raiders are preparing to hand their starting quarterback role to rookie Fernando Mendoza.
Did Kirk Cousins Get Traded to the Vikings?
Yes. The Kirk Cousins trade brings the 38-year-old quarterback back to the Minnesota Vikings. According to ESPN, Minnesota acquired Cousins from the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a 2027 third-round draft pick.
Cousins previously played for the Vikings from 2018 through 2023. His return reunites him with head coach Kevin O’Connell, who worked with him during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. The move comes as Minnesota looks to improve its offence after consecutive defeats, including a 23-6 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Kirk Cousins Stats: His 2026 Performance with the Raiders
Cousins delivered productive numbers during his time with Las Vegas. In nine starts for the Raiders during the 2026 season, he recorded 2,340 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
- Passing yards: 2,340
- Passing touchdowns: 20
- Interceptions: 8
- Completion percentage: 64.1%
- Passer rating: 98
His return could also benefit wide receiver Justin Jefferson. According to ESPN Research, Cousins and Jefferson connected for 5,348 receiving yards during their time together in Minnesota between 2020 and 2023.
Kirk Cousins Contract: What Will Minnesota Pay?
The financial terms of the existing Kirk Cousins contract are another important part of the transaction. ESPN reports that, unless the Vikings negotiate a change, Minnesota will owe the remaining $1.3 million of his base salary for the current season, along with a $10 million roster bonus due in the spring.
Raiders QB Situation: Fernando Mendoza Takes Over
The Raiders’ quarterback situation changes significantly following the trade. Las Vegas is turning to Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, as its starting quarterback. Aidan O’Connell is expected to serve as his backup.
Cousins had provided veteran experience while Mendoza prepared for the transition to the NFL. The Raiders can now focus on developing their rookie quarterback as they plan for the future.
Other Major NFL Trade Deadline News
The Kirk Cousins trade was among several notable developments ahead of the NFL trade deadline. Other reported moves included:
- Jonathan Taylor: The Indianapolis Colts decided to keep the three-time Pro Bowl running back.
- Keenan Allen: The San Francisco 49ers acquired the veteran wide receiver from Indianapolis.
- Josh Downs: The Kansas City Chiefs added the wide receiver to strengthen their offence.
- Amani Hooker: The Buffalo Bills acquired the safety from Tennessee.
- Daiyan Henley: The Denver Broncos strengthened their linebacker group.
What the Kirk Cousins Trade Means for the Vikings
For Minnesota, bringing Cousins back is a move aimed at improving immediate offensive performance. His familiarity with Kevin O’Connell’s system and previous chemistry with Justin Jefferson could help the Vikings regain momentum in a competitive NFC North.
For Las Vegas, the trade creates an opportunity to give Fernando Mendoza the starting role and build around its first overall draft selection. The two teams are therefore entering different stages of their quarterback plans as the NFL season progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kirk Cousins
Did Kirk Cousins get traded?
Yes. The Las Vegas Raiders traded Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings for a 2027 third-round draft pick.
How old is Kirk Cousins?
Kirk Cousins is 38 years old, according to the November 2026 reporting supplied for this article.
What are Kirk Cousins’ 2026 stats?
Before the trade, Cousins recorded 2,340 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions in nine starts for the Raiders.
Did Kirk Cousins previously play for the Vikings?
Yes. Cousins played for Minnesota from 2018 through 2023 before leaving in free agency in 2024.
Who is the Raiders’ starting quarterback after the trade?
Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, is taking over as the Raiders’ starting quarterback, with Aidan O’Connell expected to be his backup.
How much did the Vikings give up for Kirk Cousins?
Minnesota sent the Las Vegas Raiders a 2027 third-round draft pick in exchange for Cousins.
Source: ESPN and Associated Press reporting supplied for this article.
